Tangerine Dream Cake Recipe: A Zesty Sweet Treat for Summer

Whipping up this dreamy tangerine dream cake brings sunshine right into your kitchen.

Bright citrus notes dance through each tender crumb, promising pure delight.

Sweet zesty layers promise a dessert that sparkles with vibrant flavor.

Delicate orange-hued surfaces hint at the Mediterranean-inspired magic waiting inside.

Soft, moist textures blend perfectly with tangy citrus undertones.

Bakers seeking something extraordinary will adore this elegant, refreshing creation.

Each slice promises to transport you to a sunny, blissful moment.

Why You’ll Crave Tangerine Dream Cake

• Burst with Citrus Flavor: Experience a delightful tangerine twist that transforms an ordinary cake into a zesty, bright dessert with every single bite.
• Super Quick Preparation: Tackle this recipe in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for bakers who want a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Baking Adventure: Create a wonderfully moist cake that appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents, with its sweet and tangy profile.
• Stress-Free Technique: Follow straightforward instructions that require minimal baking skills, ensuring success even for novice home bakers looking to impress their loved ones.

What Goes In Tangerine Dream Cake

• Eggs: Fresh eggs provide structure and richness to the cake's texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb in the cake.
• Flour: The primary base that gives the cake its foundation and structure.
• Sunflower Oil: Ensures moisture and provides a light, soft texture to the cake.

• Tangerine Skin: Adds bright, citrusy aroma and a zesty flavor to the cake.
• Water: Helps to create a smooth, consistent batter and maintain moisture.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Butter: Used to grease the baking mold and prevent sticking.
• Flour: Lightly coats the greased mold to help the cake release easily.

How To Whip Up Tangerine Dream Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 180°C (356°F) to ensure it’s perfectly heated before baking.

Step 2: Zest the Tangerine

Carefully run a grater over the tangerine skin to collect the fragrant zest, setting it aside for later use in the cake batter.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Generously coat a 26 x 20 cm baking pan with butter, then dust lightly with flour to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 4: Create the Fluffy Base

• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• A pinch of salt

Whip the ingredients together until the mixture becomes light, airy, and increases in volume.

Step 5: Blend Liquid Ingredients

• Sunflower oil
• Water

Gently mix until the ingredients are completely smooth and well incorporated.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Tangerine zest

Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Pan

Carefully pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.

Smart Tips For Tangerine Dream Cake

• Grate tangerine zest carefully to avoid bitter white pith, ensuring only bright orange part is used for intense citrus flavor.
• Check cake doneness by inserting a wooden skewer in center; if it comes out clean with no wet batter, cake is perfectly baked.
• Allow cake to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling and maintain moist texture.
• For a dairy-free version, replace butter with vegetable oil spray and use plant-based alternatives in the recipe.
• Enhance tangerine taste by adding a simple glaze made from tangerine juice and powdered sugar after cake has cooled.

Sweet Twists On Tangerine Dream Cake

• Citrus Burst Cake: Replace tangerine with a mix of orange and lemon zest for a vibrant, multi-citrus flavor profile that adds complexity and brightness.
• Almond Tangerine Cake: Incorporate ground almonds into the flour mixture and sprinkle sliced almonds on top for a nutty texture and enhanced depth.
• Gluten-Free Tangerine Delight: Swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour to create a lighter, gluten-free version that maintains the cake's soft texture.
• Spiced Tangerine Cake: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of cardamom to the batter for a warm, aromatic twist that complements the citrus notes.

Perfect Matches For Tangerine Dream Cake

• Pair with Citrus-Infused Beverages: Complement the tangerine cake's bright flavors with a zesty tangerine spritzer or a chilled herbal tea with orange notes.
• Enhance with Creamy Dessert Companions: Serve alongside a dollop of vanilla bean mascarpone cream or a light, airy orange-scented whipped cream to balance the cake's texture.
• Match with Sweet Wine Selections: Enjoy with a glass of Moscato d'Asti or a light, sweet Riesling that echoes the cake's citrusy and delicate profile.
• Elevate with Fresh Fruit Accents: Garnish the plate with fresh tangerine segments or a small cluster of candied citrus peels to intensify the cake's natural tangerine essence.

How To Keep Tangerine Dream Cake Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Freeze: Slice cake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Room Temperature: Keep cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if planning to consume quickly. Use a cake dome or loose plastic wrap to maintain softness.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 150°C for 5-7 minutes to restore original texture and warmth.

Tangerine Dream Cake FAQs Answered

• What gives this cake its unique tangerine flavor?

The grated tangerine skin (zest) provides a bright, intense citrus aroma and flavor directly into the cake batter, enhancing the overall taste profile.

• Can I use orange zest instead of tangerine zest?

Yes, you can substitute tangerine zest with orange zest, but the flavor will be slightly different. Tangerine zest tends to be sweeter and less bitter compared to orange zest.

• Why do I need to beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy?

Beating eggs and sugar creates air pockets that help the cake rise and become lighter, resulting in a softer, more tender texture with better volume.

• What type of oil works best for this recipe?

Sunflower oil is recommended, but you can also use vegetable oil or light olive oil.

Tangerine Dream Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Heavenly tangerine dream cake sparkles with zesty citrus delight, dancing between sweet and tangy flavors. Silky layers promise a Mediterranean-inspired dessert experience you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 tangerines
• 2 eggs
• 220 grams (7.75 ounces) of flour
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) of sunflower oil
• 150 milliliters (5.07 fluid ounces) of water

Sweeteners:

• 102 grams (3.6 ounces) of sugar
• 1 additional tangerine for grating

Additional Ingredients:

• 10 grams (0.35 ounces) of baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• Butter for greasing the mold
• Flour for greasing the mold

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 180°C, ensuring an even temperature for optimal baking.
2. Carefully zest one tangerine, capturing the vibrant citrus essence for later use.
3. Prepare the baking vessel by generously coating a 26 x 20 cm mold with butter and a light dusting of flour.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, and a delicate pinch of salt until the mixture becomes voluminous and pale.
5. Gradually introduce sunflower oil and water, stirring continuously to create a uniform, silky consistency.
6. Gently fold in flour, baking powder, and the reserved tangerine zest, mixing with a light touch to maintain the batter’s airiness.
7. Transfer the fragrant mixture into the prepared mold, ensuring an even distribution.
8. Slide the mold into the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges completely clean.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool, letting the tangerine-infused aromas fill the kitchen.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs for a fluffier, more even cake texture that rises beautifully.
• Zest the tangerine carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, capturing only the bright orange outer layer for maximum flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend, which will maintain the cake’s delicate crumb.
• To enhance the tangerine flavor, brush the warm cake with a tangerine syrup made from fresh juice and sugar, creating a moist and intensely citrusy dessert.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 296
• Sugar: 12.5 g
• Sodium: 0.2 g
• Fat: 18.75 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30.5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3.25 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg