Zesty Orange Squares

When friends call to say they're popping in, we often run to the stores for a teatime treat, but you get to the point where you long for something home-baked.

Life took me away from the baking pans for a long while, but I've started taking the cake pans out again! Homebaked is way tastier, fresher, and satisfying, especially for those who love baking.

Time is often the enemy, tends to run away with one, right?

I however have some good standby recipes for a quick bake.

One of my Belgium BnB guests' family called the previous day to say they'd like to visit, and I knew what I would be making as I had some gorgeous Oranges - Zesty Orange Squares. This bake doesn't require any lengthy preparation, and is very good, not for the waistline though, but we all need a treat now and then, right?

Think of a featherlight sponge, delicately flavoured with a touch of orange rind, and fresh orange juice poured over to soak through the sponge.

What is required to bake this cake?

Zesty Orange Squares Recipe (my Aunt Marie's recipe)

Beat together till creamy:

125 grams Butter, at room temperature
250ml Sugar
Add, and beat till fluffy:
2 Eggs
Add dry ingredients alternately with milk:
375ml Self-Raising Flour
A good pinch of Salt
125ml Milk
Approx 5ml Grated Orange Rind
Spoon into a sprayed rectangular dish, and bake at 180C for approx 30 minutes, test with a skewer if it's cooked through
Stir the following till the sugar has melted, and pour over the cake as soon as it comes out of the oven:
Juice of 1-2 Oranges
Approx 5ml Orange Rind
200ml Sugar

Mixing the batter:

orange cake batter 1.jpg

Baking and final touches

orange cake bake.jpg
orange zest.jpg

Perfect for an afternoon tea, or even as a dessert, served with cream or custard.

There were some leftovers which I stored in the refrigerator for the next day.
Note - this cake also freezes well, and you can substitute the Orange with Lemon.