Orange Squares (Quadradas de Laranja)

 

Orange Squares, (Quadradas de Laranja) as they are known, is a simple cake without icings. It is just what we need to satisfy the taste buds.  So easy to make, these Orange Squares (Quadradas de Laranja) have a post-baked infusion of a simple orange glaze that adds another level of moistness and orange flavor.

 For the cake:

1 cup sugar

2 sticks (1 cup) butter, room temperature

6 large eggs, separated, room temperature

Zest of two whole oranges

1 cup  whole milk or orange juice

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon table salt

Orange syrup:

1 cup sugar

Juice of 4 oranges (about 2 cups)

9 x 12 baking dish, greased and floured

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

1. In a large bowl, either by hand or using the medium-high speed of a hand -held electric mixer, cream the butter into the sugar until it is pale yellow and fluffy, about 1 minute.

2. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Blend in the orange zest and the milk.  Set aside until needed.

4. In a separate bowl, with clean beaters and the high speed of the mixer, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes.

5. Gently, by hand, fold the beaten egg whites into the reserved batter and set aside.

6. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together into a bowl, then hand- fold the dry ingredients into the bowl of batter.  Spoon the batter into the prepared baking dish and set in the oven.  Bake the Orange Squares for 35 to 40 minutes. Do not over bake.

7. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake or wooden skewers.  Drizzle the orange syrup into the holes and over the top.  Let the syrup soak into the cake.  Let stand about 1 hour before serving.