| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 420 | 12g | 7g | 70g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 47g | 1g | 5g | 0.2g |
There’s a certain unexpected joy that comes with trying a new recipe, and this Ugli Fruit Citrus Cake is no exception. Being from Charleston, South Carolina, traditional Southern fare is a staple in my kitchen. Yet, every once in a while, I enjoy stepping outside of my comfort zone to explore dishes that reflect other influences. A beautiful blend of tart and sweet, this cake ticks all the right boxes and allows me to channel a bit of that coastal seafood flair my heart holds dear, and, I must say, it’s a refreshing detour.
The Magic of Ugli Fruit
The star of the show in this cake, the Ugli Fruit, is a fascinating tropical delight. Don’t be fooled by its name or rough exterior- this fruit, also known as a uniq or a tangelo, is an exotic blend of grapefruit, Seville orange, and tangerine that brings a divine, zesty vibrance to this cake. And it’s not just about the flavor. This Jamaican original is packed full of Vitamin C and fiber, which provide a variety of health benefits.
Creating The Delicate Balance
Just like when I’m out on the waters with my surfboard, balance is key in this cake. The tartness of the ugli fruit is perfectly counteracted by the smooth, silky sweetness of the glaze. Sugar, butter, eggs, and a dash of vanilla extract merge harmoniously, forming a base that’s moist and fluffy. The inclusion of sour cream and milk not only enriches the taste but also gives the cake an irresistible crumb texture, making it a delight with every bite.
This Ugli Fruit Citrus Cake shares similarities with a classic orange cake or lemon drizzle cake, though it has a distinct tropical zest that sets it apart. It could do justice as a standalone tea-time treat, or you could pair it with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a dreamy dessert. If you’re in the mood for a full-on Southern feast, it could also complement fried chicken and biscuits, providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
So, here’s to desserts that transcend norms and tiptoe into the adventurous side of culinary art. Trust me, one bite of this Ugli Fruit Citrus Cake, and you’ll see the beauty in trying something ugli!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup fresh ugli fruit juice
- 1 tablespoon ugli fruit zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoon fresh ugli fruit juice
Method
Step One
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This will be your dry ingredients mix. Set aside.
Step Two
In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and unsalted butter. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This can be done with a manual hand whisk, but an electric mixer would make the job easier and the result much better.
Step Three
Add the large eggs, one at a time, into the sugar and butter mixture, ensuring to beat well after each addition. This will ensure that the egg is well incorporated into the mixture before adding the next.
Step Four
Mix in the dry ingredients gradually in about three parts. Alternate this by adding the milk in between the dry mixtures, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
Step Five
Further enrich the cake batter by adding in fresh ugli fruit juice, ugli fruit zest, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Stir until fully combined.
Step Six
Transfer to a baking dish. You can grease and flour the dish to ensure that the cake does not stick upon baking.
Step Seven
Bake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The oven temperature and baking time may vary but typically, it would be at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 30-35 minutes.
Step Eight
While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoon fresh ugli fruit juice until you have a smooth, nice consistency.
Step Nine
Once the cake is cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Your Ugli Fruit Citrus Cake is ready to serve!
