Enhanced Orange Blossom Cake

Ingredients

All-purpose flour

2 cups

Baking powder

2 teaspoons

Salt

1/2 teaspoon

Unsalted butter

1/2 cup, softened

Granulated sugar

1 cup

Eggs

3 large

Orange zest

1 tablespoon

Orange blossom water

1 tablespoon

Milk

1/2 cup

Powdered sugar

1 cup (for glaze)

Fresh orange juice

2-3 tablespoons (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. Optionally, line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the orange blossom water and orange zest until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry mix, mixing just until combined to avoid over-mixing.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.
8. While the cake is baking, prepare the orange glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice if it's too thick.
9. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Drizzle the orange glaze over the top of the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
11. Slice and serve, savoring the aromatic flavors and delightful texture of this Enhanced Orange Blossom Cake.