If you need a quick cake to take to a Secret Santa Party, or lunch with a neighbor, or a potluck contribution.
For all you empty nesters, or those of you that no longer require a big-o-cake, this cake is for you. One layer, an 8 inch round; it is so easy you can mix it in one bowl if you want.
For an alternative to chocolate this citrus cake hits the spot.
It is the citrus time of year so it is a good time to make an Orange Yogurt Cake. Psst….If you are supreming oranges, I find a tomato knife works better than a chef’s knife.
I think we all could use these types of recipes for easy entertaining. No reason to make your life so difficult.
Most vegetable oil is made from soybean, my nemesis. Instead of vegetable oil, I used grapeseed oil. Grapeseed oil is a very light oil and gives your cake a lighter texture.
It reminds me of Dorie’s Visiting Cake, only instead of almonds, it is a citrus.
I have to say when I flipped it out of the pan the scent that wafted up of citrus was divine. Lucinda Scala Quinn from Martha Stewarts made it with no icing, but just a dusting of confectioner’s sugar.
But we have icing people so a cream cheese with some orange zest became the frosting of choice today.
I don’t think you can get easier than this.
- Unsalted butter, softened, for pan
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- ½ cup plus 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup plain whole-milk yogurt
- ¼ cup vegetable oil – or grapeseed oil
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest, plus 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large oranges (1 zested into thin strips, both segmented)
- Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
- Mise en Place ~ Gather ingredients.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Butter an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar and egg until lighten.
- Combine yogurt, oil, orange zest and juice, and vanilla in a bowl.
- Combine and pour into pan.
- Bake until a cake tester comes out clean, about 25 minutes.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
- Place zest strips in a bowl.
- Stir in segments and remaining tablespoon sugar.
- Garnish cake with some segments; serve with the rest.
- Dust with confectioners' sugar.
I am taking this to
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says
I’m positive I would love this cake. First, I love tangy lemon flavors and two, it’s gorgeous.
Happy holidays Madonna,
Sam
Ms. Lemon says
Thanks Sam. It makes a great little cake when you only need a small cake. I have further plans for this that I hope work out. Stay tuned….
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
M.
Kitty says
Mmmm I can just about smell the divine orange scent, Madonna! In fact I’m taking a deep inhale as I type..LOL!! I would love a slice of this with a cup of tea, and yes please, I’d love it with the cream cheese icing! Merry Christmas to you!
Ms. Lemon says
Thanks Kitty. It does smell wonderful coming out of the pan.
I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
M.
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says
I think it would be perfect for us as empty nesters but I would have to make one for me and one for Scott. It looks so… GOOD!
Ms. Lemon says
Chris, You always make me laugh.
Hope you have a wonderful holiday.
M.
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
This is the perfect cake for just the two of us…it sounds wonderfully citrusy.
Ms. Lemon says
I think it is a great small cake Karen, and I love the citrus. As soon as my lemons are ripe I will make it in lemon form.
Hope you have a great Christmas and Happy New Year.
Joy @Joy Love Food says
Sounds delicious! I love citrus in cakes, pinning. Visiting from Lou Lou Girls Link Party 🙂
Ms. Lemon says
Thank you Joy. It smells really good when you turn it out of the pan. Thank you for stopping by.
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
This cake looks amazing and I love that it is one layer..
Ms. Lemon says
Thanks Shirley. I hope you will enjoy also.
Lou Lou Girls says
Hello cute lady! I bet this little gem made a lot of people happy! Pinned and tweeted. Thank you for being a part of our party. I hope to see you tonight at 7 pm. We love to party with you! Lou Lou Girls
Miz Helen says
Thanks so much for sharing this awesome recipe with our special edition of Full Plate Thursday. Hope you are enjoying your holidays and look forward to seeing you soon!
Miz Helen
Paris Pastry says
I just love citrus cakes! Anytime of year. The yoghurt sounds appealing too 🙂 Yum!
Xx Daniëlle
Ms. Lemon says
It is a simple cake, but it smells so good when it came out of the pan. Thanks for stopping by Daniëlle.
Melissa says
Looks yummy! I love any dessert with lemon and cream cheese frosting makes it even better. Thanks for stopping by my site.
Ms. Lemon says
I hope you will give it a try.