Orange Snack Cake

For a more intense orange flavor it's best to use only freshly squeezed orange juice for the glaze :)

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 15

Ingredients

• 1  cup sugar
• 1⁄2 cup shortening (Crisco is good)
• 2  eggs
• 2  cups flour
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup buttermilk
• 2  teaspoons  orange extract (optional)
• 2  tablespoons orange zest
• 1  cup raisins
• 1  cup walnuts or 1  cup pecans, chopped

• Glaze

• 1⁄3 cup sugar
• 1⁄3 cup  orange juice

Directions

1. Grease an 11 x 7-inch-inch baking pan.
2. Set oven to 350 degrees F.
3. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup sugar and the shortening with an electric mixer on medium or high speed until well mixed.
4. Add in eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then add in orange extract.
5. In a small bowl mix together flour, baking soda and salt.
6. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to egg mixture, beating on low speed after each addition JUST until combined.
7. By hand stir in the orange peel, raisins and nuts.
8. Transfer and spread the batter into prepared baking pan.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
10. Stir together 1/3 cup sugar and the orange juice; gradually pour over the baked cake.
11. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes.
12. Serve warm, or cool completely.