The Enchanting Orange Slice Cake: A Taste of Nostalgia

For many of us, the holidays conjure up a specific tapestry of scents and flavors, a comforting olfactory roadmap leading us back to cherished memories. While my mother, Lois Wilson, embraced the festive spirit with a multitude of cookies and confections, one particular cake held a special place in our Christmas tradition. It wasn’t the often-dreaded fruitcake that some families endured, but a wonderfully moist and enduring marvel—the Orange Slice Cake. Its unique sweetness, punctuated by jewel-like candied orange pieces and the crunch of pecans, felt like edible sunshine, a welcome contrast to the winter chill. This cake, with its incredible ability to keep for ages, was a testament to thoughtful baking, ensuring that a slice of holiday cheer was always within reach, long after the last ornament was packed away.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Yield: 1 cake
• Dietary Type: Contains Nuts, Eggs, Dairy, Gluten

Ingredients

This cake, while simple in its construction, relies on a beautiful interplay of textures and a delightful sweetness that comes from its unique components.

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 lb dates, pitted and chopped
• 2 cups pecans, chopped
• 1 lb orange slice candies, chopped into small pieces
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup orange juice

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Bundt pan or tube pan (approximately 10-12 cup capacity)
• Wire cooling rack
• Small bowl for glaze

Instructions

Crafting this Orange Slice Cake is a journey that rewards patience, particularly with its extended baking time. Don’t be alarmed by the low temperature; it’s crucial for achieving that signature moist crumb and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

1. Begin by preheating your oven to a low 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius). Generously grease and flour your Bundt pan or tube pan. This is a crucial step to ensure the cake releases cleanly after its long bake.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can be done with an electric mixer or vigorously by hand.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture.
4. In a separate, smaller bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the baking soda and buttermilk. The buttermilk will react with the baking soda, creating tiny bubbles that will contribute to the cake’s tender texture.
5. Now, it’s time to alternate the dry and wet ingredients into the creamed butter mixture. Add about one-third of the flour to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Next, pour in about half of the buttermilk mixture and mix until just incorporated.
7. Continue this alternating process: add another third of the flour, mix, then add the remaining buttermilk mixture, mix.
8. Finally, add the remaining flour and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to a tougher cake.
9. Now for the star ingredients that give this cake its unique character! Gently fold in the chopped dates, chopped pecans, chopped orange slice candies, and shredded coconut. Ensure these additions are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The orange slice candies, when baked, will melt and create pockets of intense citrus flavor and a delightful chewy texture, reminiscent of candied orange peel.
10. Stir in the vanilla extract for that classic aromatic warmth.
11. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt or tube pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 3 hours. This is a long, slow bake, designed to cook the cake through without drying it out. The low temperature allows the flavors to develop and the moisture to be retained.
13. To check for doneness, insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s still wet, continue baking in 15-minute increments, checking each time.
14. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. This brief cooling period in the pan helps the cake firm up before you attempt to unmold it.
15. After 15 minutes, carefully invert the cake onto the wire cooling rack to cool completely.
16. While the cake is still warm, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and orange juice until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more orange juice; if too thin, add a little more confectioners’ sugar.
17. Drizzle the warm glaze generously over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. The warmth of the cake will help the glaze set and create a beautiful, slightly shiny finish.

Expert Tips & Tricks

The magic of this Orange Slice Cake lies not just in its ingredients but in the gentle approach to baking. Here are a few insights to elevate your experience:

• Chopping the Orange Slices: When chopping the orange slice candies, aim for pieces that are roughly the size of a raisin or slightly smaller. This ensures they distribute well and don’t create overly large, concentrated pockets of chewiness. A sharp knife and a steady hand are your allies here.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the creaming of butter, sugar, and eggs, ensuring these are at room temperature is paramount. It allows them to emulsify properly, creating a lighter, more aerated batter that bakes up beautifully. If you’ve forgotten to take your eggs out, a quick warm-up in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes can do the trick.
• Don’t Rush the Bake: That 3-hour bake time at 250°F is non-negotiable for achieving the signature moist texture. Resist the urge to crank up the heat; it will likely result in a dry cake. The low temperature is key to its longevity as well.
• Glazing While Warm: The glaze application on a warm cake is a technique that yields a slightly softer, more integrated glaze than applying it to a completely cold cake. It absorbs slightly, creating a more cohesive flavor profile.
• Pan Choice Matters: A Bundt or tube pan is ideal for this cake due to its central tube, which promotes even heat circulation, crucial for a cake with such a long baking time. Ensure your pan is well-greased and floured to avoid any sticking issues.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This cake is a magnificent centerpiece on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a more refined touch, a sprig of fresh mint or a few segments of fresh orange can add a vibrant visual appeal.

The true marvel of the Orange Slice Cake is its longevity. Stored properly, it can keep for a considerable time. Once completely cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container.

• Room Temperature: The cake will keep well at room temperature for up to one week. This is part of its charm, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful gift.
• Refrigerator: For even longer storage, up to two weeks, you can keep it in the refrigerator. Ensure it’s very well wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
• Freezer: This cake freezes exceptionally well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to three months. To thaw, bring it to room temperature overnight.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving, keeping in mind that variations can occur based on specific ingredient brands and exact measurements.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	793.3 kcal
Calories from Fat	317 kcal
Total Fat	35.3 g	54%
Saturated Fat	15.6 g	77%
Cholesterol	111.6 mg	37%
Sodium	200 mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate	116.5 g	38%
Dietary Fiber	7 g	27%
Sugars	80.7 g	322%
Protein	9.6 g	19%

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic recipe is undeniably delightful, there’s always room for personal touch.

• Nut-Free Option: For those with nut allergies, omit the pecans. You can substitute with an equal amount of extra chopped dates or sunflower seeds for a different textural element.
• Citrus Zest: For an even more intense orange flavor, add the zest of one to two oranges to the butter and sugar mixture. This will further enhance the citrus notes without altering the texture.
• Spiced Variation: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a lovely warmth to the cake, especially if you enjoy a touch of spice during the holidays. Add about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen spice to the dry ingredients.

FAQs

Q: Why does the recipe call for such a low oven temperature?
A: The low temperature of 250°F is crucial for this cake’s exceptionally moist texture and its ability to keep well. It allows for slow, even cooking without drying out the delicate crumb.

Q: Can I use different types of dried fruit instead of dates?
A: While dates are traditional, you could experiment with other chopped dried fruits like raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped apricots, but be aware this will alter the classic flavor profile.

Q: My orange slice candies are very hard, will they still soften in the cake?
A: Yes, the long baking time at a low temperature will allow the orange slice candies to soften and melt into the cake, infusing it with their sweet, citrusy flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
A: Thoroughly greasing and flouring your Bundt or tube pan is key. Ensure you get into all the nooks and crannies. For extra insurance, you can also use a baking spray that contains flour.

Q: Is it okay to make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This cake is perfect for making ahead. In fact, some find its flavors meld and deepen even further after a day or two. Just be sure to store it properly as per the storage suggestions.

Final Thoughts

The Orange Slice Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s an edible embodiment of comfort and tradition. It’s a testament to the idea that simple ingredients, treated with care and patience, can yield extraordinary results. Whether you’re seeking to recreate a nostalgic holiday memory or embark on a new baking adventure, this cake is sure to bring warmth and sweetness to your table. Enjoy the process, savor each slice, and share the joy it brings. Perhaps a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or a warm glass of milk would be the perfect accompaniment to this delightful creation.