Orange drippy syrup cake

ingredients

• Orange drippy syrup cake

  • 1 cup (220g) caster sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) water
  • 30 gram butter, chopped
  • 3 medium (720g) oranges
  • 250 gram unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cup (385g) caster sugar, extra
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cup (300g) self-raising flour, sifted
  • 2/3 cup (80g) almond meal
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (180g) sour cream
  • double cream or vanilla ice-cream, optional, to serve

method

• • 1

    Combine sugar and water in a large saucepan and stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil. Boil, uncovered, without stirring, for 10 minutes, until a lovely caramel colour. Keep a close eye on the pan. Add the butter and stir briskly with a metal spoon. Be prepared for the mixture to froth up.

  • 2

    Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan forced. Grease a deep 22cm round cake pan and line base and side with baking paper.

  • 3

    Finely grate the rind from oranges. Peel oranges, removing all the white pith. Cut oranges in half from top to bottom, then cut out the centre in a V-shape to remove white membranes. Cut into 1cm slices. Arrange orange slices over base of pan. Pour caramel over oranges.

  • 4

    Using electric beaters, beat unsalted butter, rind and extra sugar in a medium bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in dry ingredients and sour cream in two batches. Spread batter carefully over oranges and smooth the top.

  • 5

    Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes, until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Stand for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.