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–+ servings
Handwritten recipe for Orange Cake from Mary Perry
This charming Orange Cake recipe comes from 1930, handwritten in flowing cursive script. A nostalgic treat, it reflects the elegance and resourcefulness of vintage baking. The recipe combines citrus zest and juice with fluffy egg whites and a rich, creamy batter. Light, fragrant, and delicately sweet, this cake is perfect for springtime celebrations or any afternoon tea. The icing, made from fresh orange and lemon juice, adds a zesty finish that enhances its timeless charm.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Baked Goods
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 572 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 5 egg yolks
  • 2 cups sugar
  • ⅛ tsp salt
  • 1 orange (juice and grated rind )
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ cup cold water
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 cups flour (unsifted, pastry flour preferred)
  • 3 egg whites (stiffly beaten)

For the Icing & Filling:

  • 2 egg whites
  • 2 oranges (juice & grated rind)
  • 1 lemon (juice)
  • 2 cups sugar (approximate, adjust for consistency)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Yolks and Base Mixture

  • Beat 5 egg yolks until creamy.
  • Add 2 cups sugar and a pinch of salt.
  • Mix in the juice and grated rind of 1 orange.

Step 2: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

  • Stir in ½ tsp baking soda and ½ cup cold water.
  • Add 2 level tsp baking powder.
  • Gradually fold in 2 cups unsifted pastry flour.

Step 3: Fold in Egg Whites

  • Beat 3 egg whites until stiff.
  • Gently fold into the batter in three portions.

Step 4: Bake

  • Pour batter into a greased and floured cake pan.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 5: Make Icing and Filling

  • Beat whites of 2 eggs.
  • Add juice and rind of 2 oranges and juice of 1 lemon.
  • Mix in 2 cups of sugar to achieve a spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Assemble Cake

  • Once the cake is cool, slice and spread icing between layers and on top.

Tips

  • Add a splash of vanilla for depth.
  • Substitute lemon zest for extra zing.
  • For a moister cake, brush layers with orange syrup before icing.
  • Modern shortcut: Use a hand mixer to speed up beating egg whites.

Nutrition

Calories: 572kcalCarbohydrates: 130gProtein: 8gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 122mgSodium: 219mgPotassium: 185mgFiber: 2gSugar: 105gVitamin A: 276IUVitamin C: 33mgCalcium: 104mgIron: 1mg
Keyword cake, Lemon, nostalgic, orange
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