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Nothing seems to be going right these days. We live in strange and uncertain times. However, this Orange Marzipan Streusel Cake is definitely right. A lovely yellow cake studded with marzipan, chopped almonds, and orange zest. The cake is topped with juicy fresh orange slices and then, a layer of marzipan. I’ve included a recipe for homemade marzipan below. It is so easy to make.
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This cake will feed 12 to 15 people, depending upon how big you slice the pieces. It’s perfect for a family barbecue. Especially for those of you who are planning a properly socially distanced gathering this holiday weekend. Also, you have the option to freeze the extra to enjoy whenever you have craving for something sweet.
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To create this Orange Marzipan Streusel Cake, first, zest four oranges. Peel them and cut into slices. Then, smoosh (official culinary term) the streusel ingredients together with your hands or a wooden spoon. The streusel only contains two and a half tablespoons of sugar, so it’s not too sweet. Cover the bowl with plastic cling film and refrigerate the streusel for 30 minutes.
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Make the cake!
The next step is to make the cake. Whip the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Five minutes makes it very fluffy. There are 6 eggs to add to the batter. One at a time. Then, add the marzipan, chopped almonds, and freshly grated orange zest to the batter. The dry ingredients contain a bit of cardamom powder. Add the dry ingredients to the batter, spread it out in the pan, and lay the orange slices on top.
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Cover with the streusel and bake for 50 minutes of until a knife inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
This cake is so tasty. The orange flavor really pops, I would love to make it again using different citrus. Pink grapefruits and pomelos are now dancing in my head.
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Orange Marzipan Streusel Cake
Ingredients
- For the Streusel:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2-1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2-1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest.
- For the cake:
- 4 oranges
- 2-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
- 1.5 cups plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature.
- 1-1/3 cups sugar
- 6 eggs
- 2 oz. marzipan grated
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 2-3 tablespoons freshly grated orange zest
Instructions
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Zest and peel the oranges.
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Use small sharp knife to trim off as much of the pith (white part) as you can.
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Cut oranges with a serrated knife into slices about 1⁄4 inch thick and set aside.
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Make the streusel:
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Whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
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Add the butter, olive oil and orange zest to the bowl.
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Use your fingers or a wooden spoon to rub the butter and oil into the dry ingredients until streusel crumbs form.
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Cover the bowl with plastic cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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Make the cake:
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Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease and line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cardamom, and salt.
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Beat the butter and sugar with the whisk attachment of your mixer until light and creamy (5 minutes)
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Add the eggs one at a time making sure each is combined before adding the next.
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Mix in the marzipan and almonds.
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Add the rest of the orange zest.
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Add the dry ingredients and beat until just combined.
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Spread the dough evenly on the prepared baking pan.
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Distribute the orange slices evenly spaced over the top.
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Do the same with the streusel.
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Place in oven and bake for 50 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean.
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Remove the oven, let cool, slice, and serve.
Homemade Marzipan Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup blanched ground almonds**
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon rosewater
- 1 tablespoon egg white
- Light corn syrup and extra powdered sugar to adjust consistency if needed
- ** Blanching almonds Instructions below
Instructions
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If you are using almond flour, skip the next two steps.
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**To blanch raw almonds, boil them for one minute. Rinse immediately in a colander with cold water. Squeeze the skins off with your fingers. They will slip off easily.
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Pulse the blanched almonds and a tablespoon of powdered sugar in a food processor until completely pulverized. The powdered sugar will prevent the almonds from becoming a paste.
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Add the almond flour and powdered sugar to the food processor and pulse until combined. I like to take out the blade and use a whisk to break up any lumps. Replace the blade and pulse a few more times.
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Add the pure almond extract and the rosewater and pulse until combined.
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Add the egg white and pulse until the mixture becomes smooth.
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Remove the mixture from the processor. If it is too wet and sticky, sprinkle powdered sugar over the mixture a little at a time. Knead it in and make the marzipan stiffer. If the mixture is too dry, knead in a few drops of the light corn syrup.
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Wrap tightly in plastic cling film. Store in a ziplock bag.
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Like this Orange Marzipan Streusel Cake? Also, check out some of these other sensational streusel cake recipes:
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