Hello, baking friends! Today, we’re bringing a burst of citrus sunshine into our kitchen with a delightful Orange Millet Cake. This cake combines the nutty goodness of millet with the bright, refreshing flavor of oranges, creating a treat that’s both wholesome and delicious. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to brighten up your day. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients:

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 cup millet flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
  • Zest of 2 oranges
• Optional Add-ins:
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• Orange Glaze (Optional):
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch cake pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the millet flour, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, plain yogurt, and orange zest until smooth and well blended.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If you’re using nuts or dried cranberries, fold them into the batter at this stage.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Glaze: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re adding the orange glaze, prepare it while the cake cools. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
7. Serve: Once the glaze has set, slice and serve your Orange Millet Cake. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a refreshing treat.

Tips and Variations:

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based yogurt.
• Extra Citrus Flavor: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice to the batter for a tangy twist.
• Fruit Addition: Fold in fresh or dried fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a fruity variation.

This Orange Millet Cake is a perfect balance of citrusy brightness and nutty millet flavor, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. Its light and refreshing taste will surely make it a favorite in your home. Happy baking!