Next, pour the batter evenly into your greased pan and jiggle it just a bit to ensure it settles nicely. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While it’s baking, you’ll want to take in that invigorating aroma as it fills your kitchen. It’s hard not to peek, but trust the process!
When the cake is ready, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. This step is crucial for preventing it from falling apart. While the cake cools, make the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and orange juice in a small bowl until smooth. It should be a lovely, pourable consistency that glistens in the light.
Finally, once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to soak in slightly. This adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the cake so well. Once the glaze has set, it’s time to slice and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I love to test out variations of recipes and for this one, I tried using different kinds of orange soda—like diet and even those fancy craft sodas. Surprisingly, I found that regular orange soda gives the best flavor and texture, so stick with it for optimal results. Also, don’t skip out on the orange zest. It really enhances the flavor profile and gives that fresh, vibrant kick that’s so necessary!
Another tip I swear by is to make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing them together. This helps the batter come together more easily, leading to a lighter, fluffier cake. I always take my eggs and oil out a little earlier so they’re ready when I am.
Lastly, I like to serve this cake chilled. After glazing, I pop it in the fridge for about an hour before serving. The coolness adds a refreshing twist, especially on warm days. It really brings out the zesty flavor of the orange that I just love!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I’ve made in the past is not measuring out the soda correctly. It might seem trivial, but too much soda can make the cake too dense, and too little might leave it dry. Use a liquid measuring cup to get it just right. That fizzy liquid is key to keeping the cake moist and flavorful!
Another thing to watch out for is overmixing the batter. I know it’s tempting to make sure everything is super smooth, but overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of the light and airy cake we’re aiming for. Just mix until everything is combined, and you’ll be golden.
Also, remember to check your cake early instead of waiting for the full baking time. Ovens can vary, and I’ve had times when my cake was ready a good five minutes early. Poking that toothpick in too late can lead to dryness—nobody wants that for their cake! (See the next page below to continue…)