If you love the sweet, tangy burst of clementines, you're going to adore incorporating them into your baking. Clementine cakes offer a unique flavor profile that's both refreshing and indulgent. Here are five delicious clementine cake recipes to try today:
1. Clementine Olive Oil Cake
This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the subtle notes of olive oil in their desserts:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Zest and juice from 3-4 clementines.
- Whisk together 1 cup of sugar, zest, 1 cup of olive oil, 3 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Add 1 cup of flour, 1⁄2 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt; mix until combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch cake pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes.
- Once cooled, drizzle with a glaze made from clementine juice, powdered sugar, and a touch of milk for consistency.
⚠️ Note: Olive oil adds moisture to the cake, making it dense and rich. Use extra virgin for the best flavor.
2. Clementine and Almond Cake
Almond flour brings a delightful texture to this gluten-free clementine cake:
- Simmer 4 whole clementines in water for 2 hours until soft.
- Blend the clementines into a purée after cooling.
- Mix with 6 eggs, 1 cup of almond flour, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 tsp baking powder.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 1 hour in a lined springform pan.
3. Upside-Down Clementine Cake
Turn your cake pan into a canvas with this visually stunning dessert:
- Arrange thinly sliced clementines in the bottom of a buttered cake tin.
- Caramelize with a sprinkle of sugar and a splash of water before pouring the batter.
- Use a basic cake batter recipe, adding the zest of 2 clementines.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes.
4. Clementine and Poppy Seed Cake
For a cake with a little crunch:
- Incorporate 2 tbsp of poppy seeds into the above Clementine Olive Oil Cake batter.
- Optionally, add a hint of lemon zest to enhance the citrus flavor.
5. Vegan Clementine Cake
Perfect for those following a plant-based diet:
- Use 1 cup of vegan butter or coconut oil, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of non-dairy milk, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and replace eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water for each egg).
- Add 2 cups of flour, baking powder, and clementine zest.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes.
💡 Note: Aquafaba can also be used as an egg substitute; 3 tbsp of liquid from canned chickpeas can replace one egg.
To sum it up, clementine cakes are a delightful way to enjoy this citrus fruit beyond just snacking. Whether you prefer the richness of olive oil, the nuttiness of almonds, or the vibrant look of an upside-down cake, there's a clementine cake recipe for every palate. Each recipe offers a new dimension to the traditional cake, enhancing the dining experience with its unique flavor and vibrant zest. Now, with these five recipes in hand, you can bring a burst of sunshine into your home baking, impressing both family and friends with your culinary creativity.
Can I use mandarins or tangerines instead of clementines?
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Yes, you can substitute mandarins or tangerines for clementines in most recipes. They have similar flavors, although clementines tend to be sweeter.
How long do these cakes last?
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Stored in an airtight container, these cakes will keep fresh for up to 3-4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. Freeze for longer storage.
Can I use orange zest instead of clementine zest?
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Yes, you can use orange zest, but the flavor will be slightly more intense. Adjust the amount according to your preference.
What can I use if I don’t have almond flour?
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You can make your own almond flour by grinding blanched almonds in a food processor until fine. Alternatively, use other nut flours or wheat flour, keeping in mind the texture will change.
