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Candied Oranges Upside Down Cake

Magda Born
This cake is surprisingly easy to make. The most crucial step is to make sure the oranges are cut really thinly and evenly. 
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Course Dessert

Equipment

  • 8-inch springform pan
  • Small pot
  • Small pastry brush for oil
  • parchment paper

Ingredients
  

  • 1 + 2/3 c Sugar (1 c for cooking oranges, 2/3 c for the cake batter)
  • 4 Cardamom pods (crushed or ½ teaspoon cardamom powder)
  • 2 Oranges (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tsp Orange zest
  • 2 Tbsp Orange juice
  • 1/2 c Olive oil
  • 2 Eggs `
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/8 tsp Baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp Baking powder
  • 3/4 c plus 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 345F
  • Measure and cut a small circle from the parchment paper to cover the bottom of the baking pan
  • Brush the springform and the parchment paper with oil
  • Wash the oranges and with a sharp knife, cut them into precise 1/3 inch slices crosswise.
    If some turn out too thick or are imperfect, do not use them. Save the ends for juice.
  • In a small, shallow saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water and 2 crushed cardamom pods.
  • Cook on medium heat. The oranges will let the juice soon and will sink to the bottom of the saucepan.
    Give the orange an occasional, gentle stir.
    Squeeze the juice from the leftover ends and remaining pieces.
  • Cook only until soft. Do not overcook, as the oranges will fall apart.
  • Crush cardamom by hand or in a spice mill.
  • Grate orange zest.
  • Arrange cooked orange slices on the bottom and on the sides of the pan. (Practice makes perfect).
    If your springform is leaking, place a baking sheet underneath it.
  • Beat egg, sugar, salt in the mixer until light and fluffy. Add olive oil, vanilla extract, orange zest, orange juice, cardamom powder, baking powder, baking soda, and gently mix in all ingredients with a wooden spoon.
  • Pour the mixture into the baking pan gently over the oranges.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes. Test with a skewer in the middle of the cake, which should come out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool for ten minutes. Place a plate on the top of the baking pan and turn it upside down.
  • Gently peel the paper off the cake. For more luster, brush or drizzle with the remaining orange cardamom syrup on the top of the cake.