A Delectable Grand Marnier Pound Cake Recipe
Welcome to my Grand Marnier Pound Cake recipe article! I’m thrilled to share this delicious recipe with you. This pound cake is unlike any other, with the sweet essence of orange and the mellow smoothness of Grand Marnier liqueur. It’s a perfect treat for special occasions or just an indulgence on an ordinary day.
Have you ever heard of Grand Marnier? It’s a French orange liqueur that adds a unique touch to any recipe it’s used in. In this recipe, it’s the star ingredient that gives this cake its distinct aroma and flavor. I promise your taste buds will be tantalized!
As a British chef, I am passionate about sharing traditional recipes with a modern twist. This recipe is just one example of how I incorporate classic ingredients into delicious desserts that are perfect for today’s palate.
So whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make yet impressive dessert. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a dessert that is light and fluffy with a hint of citrus? Look no further than the Grand Marnier Pound Cake recipe! This cake is perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon tea to an elegant dinner party.
What’s not to love about this cake? With just the right amount of sugar and Grand Marnier, it has a delicate and balanced flavor that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The addition of orange zest adds a refreshing twist, making this cake stand out from the rest.
But perhaps the best part is how versatile it is. Bake it in a bundt pan for a classic look or in a loaf pan for easy slicing. Serve it plain or dress it up with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a scoop of ice cream. The possibilities are endless!
Trust me when I say that this Grand Marnier Pound Cake recipe will become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. It’s simple to make, impressive to look at, and absolutely delicious. So go ahead and give it a try – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a detailed look at the ingredients that you will need to make this Grand Marnier Pound Cake recipe.
Here are the ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Grand Marnier orange liqueur
- Zest grated from 1 large orange
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Grand Marnier Glaze:
- 1/4 cup Grand Marnier orange liqueur
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Zest grated from 1 large orange
Optional Garnish Ideas:
- Sliced strawberries or marnier-poached apricots
The recipe ingredients are fairly simple and can be easily found at your local market or grocery store. The star ingredient is the Grand Marnier which adds a delicious citrusy flavor to the cake. Make sure to use fresh oranges instead of bottled juice for the best results.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all ingredients necessary to bring this delicious Grand Marnier Pound Cake Recipe to life, let’s go over the how-to steps, shall we?
Mixing the Batter
First, mix together 2 cups of sugar and 1 ½ cups of unsalted butter that have been softened. This process usually takes about 5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Next, add in 5 eggs, one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. Then, mix in 1 tablespoon of orange zest and 1/2 cup of Grand Marnier.
Adding the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together 3 cups of flour, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Now add the dry ingredients slowly to your bowl preparing your batter from earlier with alternating additions of 1 cup of flour mixture followed by 1/4 cup of Grand Marnier Orange liqueur, mixing well after each addition.
Continue until all ingredients have been added and the batter is smooth.
Baking The Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 10-cup capacity bundt pan or pound cake pan of equivalent size.
Pour the batter into the pan, making sure it’s smooth on top.
Bake for around 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick is inserted into the middle comes out clean. If you find your cake is browning too quickly then cover it with some foil in temperature decreases will leaving it raw inside.
Finishing It Up
Remove from oven and cool for only about 5-10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled completely serve with some whipped cream or fresh berries alongside fresh orange juice or Grand Marnier sauce.
Enjoy a slice of heaven with every bite!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to put a twist on this Grand Marnier Pound Cake recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations to try out:
– Sugar: You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
– Orange Liqueur: Instead of Grand Marnier, you can substitute it with Cointreau or Triple Sec for a similar orange flavor.
– Orange Zest: You can swap the orange zest for lemon or lime zest, or even add in some grapefruit zest for a tangy kick.
– Flour: Try using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
– Bundt Cake: This recipe can also be made in a regular loaf pan or a round cake pan if you don’t have a bundt pan.
– Glaze: For an extra boozy kick, you can brush the cake with more Grand Marnier after it comes out of the oven. Or, make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with Grand Marnier and drizzling it over the cake.
– Serving: Serve this pound cake with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even chocolate sauce if you’re feeling decadent.
By making these substitutions and variations, you can create your own unique version of this classic Grand Marnier pound cake recipe. Have fun experimenting and see what delicious twists you come up with!
Serving and Pairing
After you have baked the Grand Marnier Pound Cake to perfection, the next step is to serve it with a delicious pairing. This pound cake is perfect on its own, but I highly recommend trying it with a few accompaniments to enhance your tasting experience.
Firstly, this cake pairs perfectly with fresh strawberries or raspberries. The sweetness of the fruit will complement the citrusy flavor of the orange zest in the cake, while the tartness will help to balance out the richness of the cake.
If you are looking for something more indulgent, try serving this cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The cool and creamy texture will be a nice contrast to the density of the pound cake.
For those who prefer a more savory pairing, you can also try serving this Grand Marnier Pound Cake alongside a cup of strong coffee or tea. The bitterness of these beverages can help to balance out the sweetness of this pound cake.
Finally, if you are hosting a dinner party, you can also serve this recipe as dessert after a main course dish like roast beef or ham. This will provide your guests with a delightful ending to their meal while complementing the rich flavors of their entree.
In summary, this magnificent Grand Marnier Pound Cake makes an excellent dessert that pairs well with many different options. Whether it’s fresh fruit, whipped cream, tea or coffee – there are endless possibilities that you can combine with this delectable dessert. So don’t hesitate to surprise your guests or treat yourself by trying one of these recommendations for serving and pairing today!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the fantastic things about the Grand Marnier Pound Cake is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for a day or two, without any loss of quality. In fact, this pound cake gets even better over time as the orange flavor develops and infuses throughout the cake.
To make ahead, allow the cake to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. The wrapped cake can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, depending on your kitchen conditions. If you need to store for longer than two days, consider freezing it up to one month.
When you’re ready to serve the cake, simply remove it from its wrapping and bring it back to room temperature before slicing. You can also warm slices up for a few seconds in the microwave or wrap them in foil and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.
Alternatively, consider serving this cake to your guests as part of an indulgent dessert buffet. Pair with fresh berries and whipped cream, or use it as a base for trifle or bread pudding.
With these storage tips and serving suggestions, you can be sure that your Grand Marnier Pound Cake will always taste fresh and delicious no matter how many days have passed since you first baked it.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make the perfect Grand Marnier Pound Cake, then you need to pay attention to some important tips. As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I have a few tricks up my sleeve that will elevate your cake-making skills and ensure your pound cake comes out just right every time.
Firstly, make sure that your unsalted butter is truly at room temperature before starting the recipe. This will make it easier to cream with the sugar until light and fluffy. If your butter is too cold, then the mixture won’t be smooth, and it might leave lumps in the final cake.
Secondly, do not over-mix the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing can cause gluten to develop in the batter, making the cake gummy and tough rather than light and fluffy. Mix just until all of the ingredients are combined.
Thirdly, use fresh ingredients wherever possible – that means fresh orange zest and juice for this recipe. The zest gives a lovely aroma and flavor to the cake, while the juice adds moisture and acidity.
Fourthly, bake your pound cake on the lower rack of your oven to achieve even baking with a golden-brown crust.
Fifthly, it’s important to let your Grand Marnier Pound Cake cool completely before glazing or slicing it. This allows for a better texture and flavor as well as easier slicing.
Finally, invest in quality ingredients such as organic oranges or premium Grand Marnier liqueur. You won’t regret it when you taste the difference it makes in the finished product.
By following these simple tips and recommendations, you’ll be able to create a delectable Grand Marnier Pound Cake that will impress any guest.
FAQ
Let’s tackle some common questions and concerns that you may have about this Grand Marnier Pound Cake Recipe. From ingredient substitutions to baking tips, this FAQ section will help ensure your success in making the perfect cake for any occasion. So, let’s get started!
What is the use of Grand Marnier in baking?
Our Natural Flavor Blend, inspired by the delicious Grand Marnier liqueur, works perfectly in a range of baked goods including French pastries, cakes and cookies. Along with its ability to add a hint of flavor to cream fillings and ice cream, it can be used as a versatile ingredient in sweet and savory sauces.
Why is it called Elvis Presley pound cake?
According to an article in Saveur magazine by American food historians, Jane and Michael Stern, Elvis Presley remained loyal to his love for southern cuisine despite his wealth and fame. The authors mention how they frequently ate with Elvis enthusiasts who felt a connection to the legendary musician because of his appreciation for simple, homely foods. While he could have indulged in more expensive delicacies, Elvis remained true to his roots.
What causes a pound cake to be gummy?
Have you ever wondered why your pound cake turns out with gummy streaks? It could be that you’ve creamed the butter and sugar too fast, resulting in too much mixing. As a result, your cake rises quickly but collapses during the cooling process, leaving behind dense, gummy spots. To avoid this, it’s important not to increase the speed of your mixer beyond medium speed.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Grand Marnier Pound Cake recipe is a must-try for all baking enthusiasts and lovers of classic desserts. With its rich and indulgent flavor, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weekend brunch to a fancy dinner party.
By following the simple steps and tips provided in this article, you’ll be able to create a moist and flavorful cake that will impress your guests and leave everyone wanting more.
So why not take the plunge and give this recipe a try? You won’t regret it! And who knows, it might just become your new go-to dessert recipe for any occasion.
Remember, baking is an art that requires patience, dedication, and experimentation. So don’t be afraid to put your own twist on this recipe by trying out different variations or substitutions based on your personal preferences.
Whether you enjoy it plain or top it off with some whipped cream and fresh berries, the Grand Marnier Pound Cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring some joy into your life. So what are you waiting for? Get baking!
Grand Marnier Pound Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 2/3 cups sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup Grand Marnier
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 5 eggs
- 12 ounces miniature chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup Grand Marnier
- 1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- CAKE:
- Preheat oven to 350. Generously butter a 10-inch fluted tube pan; then sprinkle it with flour, tapping out excess. Set aside.
- In large bowl, beat butter until creamy.
- Gradually beat in sugar, continue beating until the mix is light and fluffy.
- Turn mixer to low, sift in flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat until flour is absorbed. Beat in Grand Marnier and orange zest.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add mini-chips.
- Spread the batter in the prepared pan, smoothing the top even.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the cake shrinks from the side of the pan. You can use the toothpick method too!
- Let stand in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then carefully unmold the cake onto a second rack placed over a piece of wax paper or foil.
- GLAZE:
- Meanwhile, combine the orange juice, Grand Marnier and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over moderate heat.
- Lower heat and simmer until the mixture forms a light syrup, about 5 minutes.
- Brush the syrup all over the warm cake.
- When cooled, transfer it to a serving plate.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.