By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on December 18, 2023 | Last Updated on December 18, 2023
Brenda Gantt’s Orange Slice Cake is an iconic delight that has won the hearts of many food enthusiasts. This deliciously distinct cake, celebrated for its unique blend of flavors and textures, is a testament to Brenda Gantt’s culinary prowess.
The recipe features a delightful combination of butter, eggs, buttermilk, sugared dates, and the star ingredient – orange slice candy, all baked to create a crusty exterior with a moist, flavorful interior. Not only does this cake promise a taste sensation, but it also provides a charming nostalgia for traditional Southern baking.
So, if you’re in the mood for an extraordinary dessert that will excite your palate and impress your guests, then Brenda Gantt’s Orange Slice Cake is the perfect choice for you.
What is Brenda Gantt’s Orange Slice Cake?
Brenda Gantt’s Orange Slice Cake is a Southern classic that has been passed down from generation to generation. The recipe originated from the legendary Brenda Gantt, a renowned chef and restaurant owner from Greenville, Alabama. Her love for baking combined with her passion for traditional Southern flavors inspired her to create this delectable dessert.
Today, Brenda Gantt’s Orange Slice Cake has become a beloved treat that is enjoyed by many across the country.
Why You’ll Love This Brenda Gantt Orange Slice Cake?
Brenda Gantt’s Orange Slice Cake is more than just a dessert – it’s an experience. From the moment you take your first bite, you’ll be transported to a world of indulgence and pleasure.
The cake boasts a unique texture that combines moistness with crunchiness, thanks to the addition of orange slice candy in the batter. This one-of-a-kind combination of flavors and textures makes this cake a standout among other desserts.
But it’s not just the taste that sets this cake apart – it’s also the memories and emotions that it evokes. For many, Brenda Gantt’s Orange Slice Cake brings back fond memories of childhood and family gatherings. It has become a symbol of love, tradition, and togetherness, making it a sentimental favorite among many.
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Ingredients
- Sugar: Sugar is not just a sweetener in baking; it also contributes to the texture and color of your baked goods. It is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the environment, helping to keep your baked goods moist for a longer period. Additionally, during baking, the sugar caramelizes to give your treats a golden-brown color.
- Eggs: Eggs play multiple roles in baking. They act as a binder, holding all the ingredients together. They also help to leaven or raise the baked goods and contribute to their overall structure. The yolk adds richness and the egg whites can add volume when beaten.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk is acidic and reacts with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas. This results in a lighter and more tender crumb in baked goods. Buttermilk also imparts a subtle tangy flavor.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda is a leavening agent. When combined with an acid (like buttermilk), it creates carbon dioxide gas bubbles that make the batter rise and result in light, fluffy baked goods.
- All-Purpose WhiteLily Flour: This particular flour is made from soft winter wheat, which has less protein than other types of wheat. It results in baked goods that are lighter and softer. It’s ideal for delicate pastries and cakes.
- Chopped Sugared Dates: These add sweetness and chewy texture to the recipe. Dates also offer a unique flavor profile, adding depth and complexity to the overall taste.
- Orange Slice Candy: These candied orange slices add a sweet citrus flavor and chewy texture. They also contribute to the festive, colorful appearance of the dessert.
- Roughly Chopped Nuts or Pecans: Nuts add a crunchy texture and rich, nutty flavor. Pecans, in particular, have a buttery flavor that pairs well with sweet ingredients.
- Bob’s Red Mill Shredded Coconut: This adds a tropical flavor and chewy texture to the recipe. It also contributes to the overall sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter is essential for its rich, creamy flavor. It also helps to tenderize other ingredients by coating the proteins in flour, resulting in a more tender crumb. Unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This step ensures that your oven is at the right temperature when it’s time to bake your cake. Additionally, grease and flour a Bundt or tube pan. This is a crucial step to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, making it easier to remove and serve later.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until they are light and fluffy. This process typically takes a few minutes of beating with an electric mixer. Creaming the butter and sugar together creates a light and airy texture in your cake by incorporating air into the mixture.
Step 3: Add Eggs Gradually
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step ensures that the eggs are thoroughly incorporated into the batter and helps maintain the cake’s structure and moisture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour and baking soda. This step is about preparing your dry ingredients separately. It ensures even distribution of leavening agents, like baking soda, and avoids any lumps in the batter.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk Alternately
Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Alternating dry and wet ingredients prevents overmixing and helps maintain the cake’s tenderness. It’s crucial to add these ingredients gradually to avoid a heavy or dense texture.
Step 6: Fold in Mix-Ins
Fold in the chopped sugared dates, orange slice candy, nuts or pecans, and shredded coconut. Gently folding these ingredients into the batter ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the cake, providing a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Step 7: Pour batter into the Pan
Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased and floured pan. This step is the transition from mixing to baking, ensuring that the batter is evenly distributed in the pan.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary based on your oven, so checking for doneness with a toothpick is essential. A clean toothpick indicates that the cake is fully baked.
Step 9: Cool and Remove
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This brief cooling period allows the cake to set and makes it easier to remove from the pan without falling apart. After 10 minutes, remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This final cooling stage ensures that the cake is at the right temperature for slicing and serving.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cake has cooled completely, slice and serve it with your favorite topping, such as a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This step is where you get to savor the fruits of your labor and enjoy your delicious homemade cake.
Notes
- For added indulgence, serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- This recipe can also be made into cupcakes by dividing the batter into greased or lined cupcake tins and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
- To make this cake even more Southern, substitute sugared dates for chopped dried peaches or apricots.
Storage Tips
To keep your Brenda Gantt Orange Slice Cake fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. It can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days, but for longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
To freeze, wrap the cooled cake securely in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature until it reaches room temperature or warm in the microwave for a quick treat.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
Brenda Gantt’s Orange Slice Cake is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of toppings and accompaniments. Here are a few suggestions to elevate your cake experience:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Add some whipped cream or whipped topping for an extra creamy and indulgent treat.
- Drizzle with a homemade orange glaze for added sweetness and citrus flavor.
- Pair with your favorite hot beverage, such as coffee or tea, for a cozy afternoon treat.
- For a more savory option, serve with a scoop of tangy yogurt or crème fraîche. The tartness will balance out the sweetness of the cake.
What other substitute can I use in Brenda Gantt’s Orange Slice Cake?
There are several substitutions you can make in this recipe, depending on your personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are some possible options:
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk (such as almond or coconut milk) instead of buttermilk and vegan butter instead of regular butter.
- You can also substitute chopped dried fruits (such as apricots, peaches, or cranberries) for the sugared dates.
- If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can leave them out entirely or replace them with seeds (such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds) for added crunch.
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the White Lily flour.
- You can also experiment with different types of citrus candy, such as candied lemon or grapefruit slices, for a unique twist on the recipe.
Brenda Gantt Orange Slice Cake Recipe
Equipment
- stand mixer
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 4 cups of Sugar
- 8 Eggs
- 1 cup of Buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons of Baking Soda
- 7 cups of All-Purpose White Lily flour recommended
- 2 lbs of Chopped Sugared Dates
- 2 lbs of Orange Slice Candy sliced into pieces
- 4 cups of Roughly Chopped Nuts or Pecans
- 4 cups of Bob’s Red Mill Shredded Coconut recommended
- 4 unsalted Butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease and flour a Bundt or tube pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In another bowl, combine the flour and baking soda.
- Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk.
- Fold in chopped sugared dates, orange slice candy, nuts or pecans, and shredded coconut.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve with your favorite topping, such as a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For added indulgence, serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- This recipe can also be made into cupcakes by dividing the batter into greased or lined cupcake tins and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
- To make this cake even more Southern, substitute sugared dates for chopped dried peaches or apricots.
FAQs
Can I use fresh oranges instead of orange slice candy in this recipe?
While fresh oranges are delicious, they won’t provide the same flavor or texture as the orange slice candy. The candied oranges have a concentrated sweetness and a distinct texture that is difficult to replicate with fresh fruit.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to this recipe?
While Brenda Gantt’s original recipe doesn’t call for additional fruits or nuts, you can certainly customize it to your liking. Consider adding chopped pecans for a bit of crunch, or some dried cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweet oranges.
I am a vegan. Can I make this cake vegan-friendly?
To make this cake vegan, you can use a plant-based butter substitute and an egg replacer (such as flax eggs or commercially available egg substitutes). Replace buttermilk with a dairy-free version made by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of soy or almond milk. However, you would also need to find a vegan alternative to the orange slice candies, as they typically contain gelatin.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy this delicious and unique recipe for Brenda Gantt’s Orange Slice Cake. With its perfect combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself.
Get creative with your substitutions and toppings to make it your own and don’t forget to share your version with us on social media! So, go ahead and give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy baking!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
