One of the most beloved and iconic desserts in the Southern United States is the classic orange slice cake. This delicious and moist cake is a staple at family gatherings, church potlucks, and holiday celebrations. With its vibrant orange flavor and rich texture, it's no wonder why this cake has stood the test of time. In this article, we'll dive into the history of this beloved dessert and provide you with a step-by-step recipe to create your own classic southern orange slice cake right in your own kitchen.
Indulge in the sweet and citrusy flavors of the South with this classic Orange Slice Cake recipe. Made with freshly squeezed orange juice and chopped orange slices, this cake is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. The moist and tender cake is topped with a thick layer of orange glaze for an extra burst of flavor. Serve it as a dessert at your next Southern-inspired gathering and watch it disappear in minutes.
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Southern Pound Cake (Classic Pound Cake 101)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
A true Southern staple, Pound Cake is a must-have for any special occasion. This classic recipe is a rich and buttery cake that is dense and full of flavor. The key to a perfect Pound Cake is slowly adding the ingredients and beating them until light and fluffy. Serve slices of this delicious cake with a dollop of whipped cream or your favorite fruit compote for a truly indulgent dessert.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
There's nothing quite like a warm and flaky biscuit straight from the oven. These classic Southern biscuits are light and airy with a crisp and golden crust. Serve them alongside a hearty bowl of soup or smothered in gravy for a comforting and delicious meal. The secret to these biscuits is using cold butter and buttermilk for that perfect texture and flavor.
No Southern feast is complete without a side of collard greens. This classic recipe is full of flavor and packed with nutrients. The greens are cooked with smoked ham hock for a rich and smoky flavor and seasoned with onion, garlic, and vinegar for a tangy kick. Serve these greens as a side dish or add them to your favorite Southern dishes for an extra dose of Southern comfort.
No list of Southern recipes is complete without the ultimate comfort food – fried chicken. This classic recipe is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, just like it should be. The key to the perfect fried chicken is marinating the chicken in buttermilk before coating it in a seasoned flour mixture. Serve this delicious chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy for a true Southern meal.
If you're a fan of pineapple, then this cake is a must-try. This Southern Pineapple Cake is moist and tender with a delicate crumb. The cake is made with fresh pineapple and coconut flakes for a tropical twist. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy and tangy element to the cake and complements the sweetness of the pineapple perfectly. Serve this cake at your next barbecue or potluck for a taste of the tropics.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine and this recipe is a true classic. Made in a cast-iron skillet, this cornbread has a crisp and golden crust and a soft and tender inside. The key to this recipe is using stone-ground cornmeal for that authentic Southern flavor. Serve this cornbread with a smear of butter and a drizzle of honey for a delicious and comforting treat.
Similar to the classic Pound Cake, this Southern Butter Pound Cake is rich and buttery with a dense and moist texture. The secret ingredient in this recipe is buttermilk, which adds a slight tanginess to the cake. Vanilla extract and almond extract give this cake a delicate and delicious flavor. Serve it as a dessert or enjoy a slice with your morning coffee.
This Southern Smothered Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Chicken is seasoned and slow-cooked in a rich and savory gravy until it is tender and falling off the bone. The gravy is made with caramelized onions and garlic for an extra depth of flavor. Serve this dish over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking and this recipe is a must-try. These greens are slow-cooked with smoked turkey for a rich and smoky flavor. The addition of apple cider vinegar and hot sauce gives them a little kick and balances out the bitterness of the greens. Serve them as a side dish or add them to your favorite Southern dishes for an extra dose of flavor and nutrients.
Every Southern cook has their own version of cornbread dressing, and this recipe is a true classic. Made with crumbled cornbread, sausage, and seasoned with sage and thyme, this dressing is flavorful and delicious. It is the perfect accompaniment to a Thanksgiving turkey or any other special occasion. Top it with a rich and savory gravy for the ultimate Southern comfort food.
Oxtails are a true Southern delicacy and this recipe is a must-try for any meat lover. The oxtails are slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy until they are tender and falling off the bone. The gravy is made with onions, garlic, and beef broth for a deep and savory flavor. Serve these oxtails over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty and delicious meal.
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food and this Southern version is a must-try. The sauce is made with a combination of cheddar and Gruyere cheese for a creamy and flavorful sauce. The macaroni is then baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping until it is golden and bubbly. Serve this dish as a side or add some crumbled bacon for a heartier meal.
A slightly different take on the classic mac and cheese, this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a comforting and delicious dish. The macaroni is baked with a creamy and cheesy sauce and topped with crumbled crackers for a crispy and buttery crust. Serve this dish as a side or add some crumbled bacon for an extra indulgent twist.
This Southern Caramel Cake is the ultimate indulgence with its rich and buttery layers and creamy caramel frosting. The cake layers are made with buttermilk for that moist and tender texture and the frosting is made with a butter and brown sugar mixture for that rich and caramelized flavor. Serve this cake at your next special occasion and watch it become an instant favorite.
If you're a fan of pecan pie, then you will love these Southern Pecan Pie Bars. These buttery and nutty bars are a perfect bite-sized version of the classic pie. The crust is made with shortbread cookies for a crisp and buttery base and the filling is made with toasted pecans and a gooey brown sugar mixture. Serve these bars as a dessert or as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee.
Nothing says Southern comfort food like a warm and comforting peach cobbler. This recipe is made with fresh peaches and a crumbly and buttery topping. The peaches are tossed in brown sugar and cinnamon for a sweet and spiced filling. Serve this cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate Southern dessert.
This Classic Southern Buttermilk Pie is a simple yet delicious dessert that is sure to become a family favorite. The filling is made with a combination of buttermilk, eggs, and sugar for a creamy and custardy texture. The pie is then baked until the filling is set and the crust is golden and flaky. Serve this pie with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful and tasty dessert.
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Classic Southern Gravy
Main Ingredients: Fat, All Purpose Flour, Whole Milk, Salt, Cracked Black
No Southern meal is complete without a rich and flavorful gravy. This recipe is a classic and foolproof way to make delicious gravy every time. Made with drippings from your meat of choice, this gravy is full of flavor and can be poured over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or any other dish that needs a little extra love. Serve this gravy at your next meal and watch it disappear.
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Sex in the Woods
Main Ingredients: Moonshine, Cranberry Juice, Orange Juice, Peach
Don't let the name fool you, this cocktail is a delicious and refreshing drink that is perfect for any Southern gathering. Made with vodka, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice, this cocktail is fruity and slightly sweet. Serve it over ice and garnish with some fresh berries for a beautiful and tasty drink that will leave your guests wanting more.
The History of Orange Slice Cake
The Origins
The origin of the classic southern orange slice cake can be traced back to the early 20th century. It is believed that the recipe was created by homemakers who were looking for a way to use up leftover orange slices from their holiday fruitcake. These homemakers experimented with different recipes and eventually came up with a delicious cake that has stood the test of time.
Popularity in the South
The classic southern orange slice cake quickly gained popularity in the Southern United States due to its delicious flavor and simple ingredients. It became a staple at family gatherings and church potlucks, where it was often passed down through generations. Today, it is still a beloved dessert in the South and can be found on many restaurant menus and bakery shelves.
The Role of Oranges in Southern Cuisine
Oranges have played a significant role in Southern cuisine for centuries. They were brought to the region by Spanish explorers and were quickly adopted into the local cuisine. Oranges were used in a variety of dishes, from sweet desserts like the classic southern orange slice cake to savory dishes like glazed ham. The citrusy flavor of oranges adds a bright and refreshing element to Southern dishes, making them a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Creating Your Own Classic Southern Orange Slice Cake
Ingredients
To make your own classic southern orange slice cake, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup chopped orange slices
1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until well combined.
Fold in the chopped orange slices and pecans.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool before serving and enjoy your homemade classic southern orange slice cake!
In Conclusion
The classic southern orange slice cake is more than just a dessert. It's a symbol of Southern hospitality and tradition. With its rich history and delicious flavor, it's no surprise that this cake has remained a beloved dessert in the South for generations. So why not try your hand at making your own classic southern orange slice cake and continue the tradition in your own family?