🍊 Orange & Almond Coffee Cake Recipe

Perfect for: Brunch, coffee breaks, or family gatherings
Yields: 10-12 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
Cool Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
Calories per slice: ~250-300 kcal (depending on portion size)

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🧺 Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)

• ½ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt for a lighter option)

• ½ cup sliced almonds (for mixing into the batter)

For the Almond Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup sliced almonds

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Glaze (optional but recommended):

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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🧁 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.

2. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.

3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice and sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

6. Fold in the sliced almonds to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Prepare the Almond Streusel Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine the sliced almonds, brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and flour. Stir until the mixture is crumbly and everything is well mixed.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.

2. Sprinkle the almond streusel topping generously over the cake batter, ensuring even coverage.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

1. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

2. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Glaze (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.

2. Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and citrusy goodness.

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💡 Tips & Tricks

• Make-Ahead: This cake keeps well for a few days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It also freezes well. Wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• Almonds: For a more intense almond flavor, you can lightly toast the almonds before mixing them into the batter or using them for the topping.

• Sour Cream Alternative: If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt or buttermilk are great substitutes that will still keep the cake moist.

• Citrus Variations: Try using lemon zest and juice instead of orange for a refreshing twist. You can even combine both citrus fruits for an interesting blend of flavors.

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🧊 Storage

• Room Temperature: Store the cooled cake in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• Freezing: If freezing, wrap the cake well in plastic wrap and foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

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🥰 Who Will Love This Cake?

• Citrus lovers who enjoy fresh, zesty flavors.

• Almond fans who appreciate the nutty crunch in every bite.

• Anyone looking for a light, but indulgent coffee cake to serve with their morning or afternoon tea or coffee.

• Bakers looking for a beautiful cake that’s easy to make but looks impressive.