Delicious Orange & Almond Coffee Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The combination of orange zest and juice brings a refreshing citrusy flavor.
• The almond and cinnamon topping adds a satisfying crunch and aromatic sweetness.
• Made with pantry staples, it’s easy to whip up for any occasion.
• Perfectly moist thanks to sour cream in the batter.
• Versatile enough to serve as a dessert, breakfast, or snack.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• all-purpose flour
• granulated sugar
• baking powder
• baking soda
• salt
• unsalted butter, softened
• large eggs
• orange juice
• sour cream
• vanilla extract
• zest of 1 orange

For the Topping:

• sliced almonds
• granulated sugar
• ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
2. Prepare Topping:
   In a small bowl, mix sliced almonds, sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in orange juice, sour cream, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.
5. Combine Batter:
   Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
6. Assemble Cake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the almond topping mixture over the batter.
7. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8–10 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the sour cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt and use dairy-free butter.
• Nut-Free: Skip the almond topping and use a streusel made with oats, sugar, and cinnamon instead.
• Add Fruit: Incorporate fresh berries or chopped dried fruits like cranberries into the batter for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to enjoy them fresh and soft.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of nut for the topping?

Yes, pecans or walnuts work well as alternatives to almonds.

2. Can I substitute orange juice with another citrus juice?

Absolutely! Lemon or grapefruit juice can be used for a unique twist.

3. What can I use instead of sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk.

4. How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature.

6. How do I zest an orange properly?

Use a microplane or a fine grater to remove the orange’s outermost layer, avoiding the bitter white pith.

7. Can I skip the almond topping?

Yes, you can omit it or replace it with a streusel or powdered sugar dusting.

8. What size pan should I use?

A 9-inch round or square baking pan works best for this recipe.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, adjusting the bake time as needed.

10. What’s the best way to serve this cake?

It’s delicious on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of orange glaze.

Conclusion

This Orange & Almond Coffee Cake is the perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet nuttiness. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy morning at home, this cake is sure to delight. Its simplicity and versatility make it a must-try recipe for all occasions!