Orange Blossom Pisces Cake

Name: Orange Blossom Pisces Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 large eggs; ½ cup milk; 2 tablespoons orange blossom water; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; Zest of 1 orange; 1 orange, thinly sliced; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup water

Highlighted under: Sweet Recipes

When I first decided to bake the Orange Blossom Pisces Cake, I was immediately captivated by the idea of infusing the delicate flavor of orange blossom into a light, fluffy cake. The sweet and floral notes of orange blossom water create a uniquely refreshing experience that sets this cake apart from others I’ve made. I love how each bite transports you to a sunny garden, making it perfect for afternoon tea or special gatherings. It’s not just cake; it’s a delightful experience!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-23T21:53:27.869Z

As I baked the Orange Blossom Pisces Cake, I was amazed by the fragrant aroma that filled my kitchen. Using orange blossom water in the batter is a game-changer—it adds a subtle, floral note that pairs beautifully with the zesty citrus flavor. After some trial and error, I found that incorporating the liquid ingredients at room temperature helps achieve the perfect airy texture, which is critical for the cake’s lightness.

To elevate the final presentation, I topped the cake with candied orange slices and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Not only does it look stunning, but the candied oranges add a delightful touch of sweetness that complements the citrus. This cake has truly become my go-to for events, and I hope it brings as much joy to you!

Why You Will Love This Cake
Delicate floral flavor from orange blossom water
Light and airy texture that melts in your mouth
Beautifully garnished with candied orange slices

Understanding Orange Blossom Water

Orange blossom water is a key ingredient in this cake, imparting a delicate floral aroma that elevates the cake's flavor profile. It's best to use culinary-grade orange blossom water for baking; a little goes a long way, so keep the measurement precise at two tablespoons to avoid overpowering the cake. When adding it to the batter, the liquid helps to moisten the cake while contributing to its unique taste.

Should you not have orange blossom water on hand, you can substitute it with almond extract, but this will change the flavor. Alternatively, consider using a mix of lemon and vanilla extracts to maintain the cake's lightness while adding a different, but still delightful dimension. Just remember that these substitutes will alter the essence of the cake and should be adjusted judiciously.

Perfecting the Cake Texture

Achieving a light and airy texture is crucial for the Orange Blossom Pisces Cake. When creaming the butter and sugar, ensure you beat them until the mixture is pale and fluffy—this step incorporates air, which is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth quality. Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients; stop when no more flour is visible to keep the cake tender. If you do overmix, the resulting cake may become dense and chewy.

Another tip is to ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter emulsify better, creating a smoother consistency that aids in achieving that fluffy texture. If you’ve forgotten to take them out in advance, you can warm the eggs slightly under warm water, which will help them incorporate more easily into the batter.

Storing and Serving Your Cake

Once your Orange Blossom Pisces Cake is baked and cooled, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want to prolong its freshness, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it, where it will last for up to a week. Just bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

For an elegant presentation, consider serving the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, complementing the floral notes with creamy richness. A sprinkle of fresh orange zest on top can also enhance the visual appeal and provide an additional citrus punch that coordinates beautifully with the cake's flavor.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before getting started:

Cake Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons orange blossom water
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 orange

Candied Orange Topping

1 orange, thinly sliced
1 cup sugar
1 cup water

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Orange Blossom Pisces Cake:

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest and orange blossom water.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Make Candied Oranges

While the cake cools, prepare the candied oranges. In a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a simmer. Add the orange slices and cook for about 30 minutes until translucent. Remove and let them cool on a wire rack.

Decorate the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, place it on a serving platter. Top with the candied orange slices and sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish.

Pro Tips

For a more intense orange flavor, consider adding a hint of orange zest to the frosting as well. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for the best texture.

Common Baking Troubleshooting

If your cake sinks in the middle after baking, it may be due to underbaking or opening the oven door too early during the process. Always check for doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out with wet batter, let it bake a few more minutes. For future bakes, keep an eye on the time and do not rush this essential step.

Another issue to watch out for is the cake becoming too dry. This can happen if the oven temperature is too high or if it is baked for too long. To test this, consider investing in an oven thermometer to ensure your oven heats accurately. Adjust the temperature as needed, and consider reducing baking time slightly for optimal moisture retention.

Creative Variations

To add a twist to your Orange Blossom Pisces Cake, consider incorporating other citrus flavors. Lime or lemon zest can be blended into the batter alongside the orange zest for a more vibrant flavor profile. This zesty infusion can brighten the cake further, making it a lot of fun to experiment.

Another delightful variation is to fill the cake with a light citrus curd, which can enhance the cake's flavor and moisture. A homemade orange or lemon curd would meld beautifully with the cake's existing flavors—a luxurious addition that provides a wonderful surprise with each slice.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use orange extract instead of orange blossom water?

Yes, you can substitute orange extract, but the flavor will be different. Orange blossom water provides a unique floral note that enhances the cake.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

→ What can I serve with this cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the floral and citrus flavors.