Blood Orange Upside-Down Cake: A Delightful Citrus Treat
Confession: this winter, I’ve been absolutely obsessed with citrus fruits. The vibrant colors, the tangy flavors – it’s been a sensory overload. And when it comes to citrus, one particular fruit has stolen my heart – the blood orange.
But can you blame me? Just look at it. The eye-catching colors and unique taste of blood oranges make them truly special. Sure, they might not have the same flavor intensity as other oranges, but that’s exactly why I love to experiment with them.
My journey into the world of citrus obsession began with the vibrant pink-orange hues of Cara Cara oranges. I initially thought I was being virtuous by using them in salads, but soon I found myself eating them at every opportunity. From Cranberry Orange Breakfast Rolls to zesty Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, my obsession with citrus grew exponentially. And can we talk about ricotta? It’s another ingredient that has found its way onto my list of obsessions. Trust me, it’s a long list.
Now, let’s talk about blood oranges. What sets them apart is their stunning color. To enhance their natural flavor, I’ve come up with a delightful recipe – Blood Orange Upside-Down Cake. Trust me, it’s a treat you won’t want to miss.
When you think of upside-down cake, you probably envision pineapple. But here’s a confession: I don’t like pineapple. At all. It’s just not my cup of tea. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the cake part of an upside-down cake. In fact, I’ve found a fabulous French yogurt cake recipe from Dorie Greenspan’s Baking cookbook. If you haven’t read it, you’re truly missing out. She’s not only an amazing baker but also a captivating storyteller.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a whisk and a wooden spoon, you can create magic. The combination of yogurt, eggs, olive oil, flour, almond flour, and almond extract creates a moist and flavorful cake. And when you pair the subtle almond flavor with the citrusy goodness of blood oranges, it’s a match made in heaven.
To create the upside-down effect, melt some butter and brown sugar in a cake pan, then arrange your blood orange slices on top. The result is a visually stunning cake with a glaze that seeps into every bite.
The aroma of this cake is absolutely heavenly. It’s the kind of scent that instantly lifts your spirits on a rainy day. And the taste? Well, let’s just say it’s pure bliss. The moist texture, thanks to the olive oil and yogurt, combined with the delicate almond flavor and the refreshing citrus notes of blood orange, makes this cake a true delight.
This is the kind of cake you’ll want to keep on your counter, slicing off a piece whenever you need a pick-me-up. It’s a humble yet powerful treat that’s perfect for any occasion or no occasion at all.
I hope you fall in love with this Blood Orange Upside-Down Cake as much as I did. It’s a simple and impressive dessert that will surely leave you craving more. So grab some blood oranges, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a slice of citrusy heaven.
