Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Make sure it’s static heat, not fan-forced.
Step 2: Prepare Your Mold
Grease your 22 cm mold with a bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking. You can also use parchment paper for easier removal later.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, crack open the eggs and whisk them together with sugar until they’re well combined and slightly frothy.
Add a pinch of salt for flavor enhancement.
Pour in the sunflower oil and orange juice, then mix everything together until smooth.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually sift the flour and baking powder into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
Step 5: Add Orange Zest
Grate the zest of an orange directly into the batter. This will infuse the cake with a delightful citrusy flavor and aroma. Mix it in evenly.
Step 6: Pour Batter into Mold
Transfer the batter into the prepared mold, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake in Preheated Oven
Place the mold in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Garnish
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the mold for a few minutes.
Carefully transfer the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, spread a thin layer of apricot jam on top for a glossy finish.
Sprinkle grated coconut generously over the jam for added texture and flavor.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the cake into portions and serve it up for a delightful treat. Enjoy the zesty, moist goodness of your homemade orange cake!
