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Moist Orange roll cake: Step by Step Recipe

Jorge Bastos
The orange roll cake is a traditional Portuguese dessert, perfect for spring and summer when oranges are at their peak—sweet, juicy, and full of flavor. It’s a fresh, moist treat with an intense orange taste.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes

Equipment

  • 1 Large bowl
  • Zester
  • Whisk
  • 24 cm (9.5 inch) baking tray
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

  • 400 g Sugar
  • 3-4 unit Oranges
  • 50 g Melted butter
  • 8 unit Eggs
  • 60 g All-purpose flour T55 in Portugal
  • 1 tbsp Baking powder
  • Oil or butter to grease the pan

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 180 ºC (350 ºF).
  • Using your hands, mix the orange zest with the sugar, rubbing it until the sugar takes on an orange hue and a strong orange aroma.
  • Add the flour and baking powder to the flavored sugar and mix well.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the orange juice and melted butter until you get a smooth mixture.
  • Combine the flour and sugar mixture with the wet ingredients and mix until you get a consistent, smooth batter.
  • Grease a baking pan well with butter or oil, line it with parchment paper, and grease the paper as well.
  • Pour the batter into the pan and lightly tap the pan on the countertop to remove air bubbles.
  • Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the roll cake is fully cooked. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center — if it comes out clean, it’s ready; if not, bake for a few more minutes.
  • Lay a clean kitchen towel on the countertop and sprinkle it with sugar.
  • Once the roll cake is baked, flip it onto the towel and carefully remove the parchment paper.
  • Sprinkle a little more sugar on the surface of the cake.
  • With the help of the towel, carefully roll the cake, pressing gently to form a tight cylinder.
  • Store in the fridge for a few hours, wrapped in the towel, to set.
  • When ready to serve, carefully remove the towel and place the roll cake on a serving plate.
  • Decorate with orange slices, mint leaves, and/or powdered sugar.