Description
This clementine cake captivates with its tender texture and vibrant citrus flavor. It’s easy to prepare and makes a delightful dessert for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar
- 4 to 5 clementines, sliced no thicker than 1/4 of an inch plus more for zest and juicing (1 bag)
- 1–¾ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons clementine zest, from about 4 clementines
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed clementine juice
- 1/3 cup grapeseed oil
- 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉ (180℃).
- Spray a 9" cake pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the melted butter into the pan and add the light brown sugar.
- Arrange the sliced clementines over the sugar in the pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
- In a small bowl, rub the sugar with the clementine zest until it has a wet sand texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs lightly and add the zesty sugar, clementine juice, oil, applesauce, and vanilla. Combine.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and buttermilk alternately, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined, then pour the batter over the clementines. Tap the pan to release air bubbles.
- Transfer the cake to the middle rack of the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. Use aluminum foil if browning too much.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and invert it onto a cake plate.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream.
- Store in the fridge wrapped in plastic for 2 to 3 days.
Notes
For best results, use fresh clementines for juicing and zesting.
Loosely cover the cake with foil while baking if the top gets too dark.
The cake can be served warm or chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg