Giant Orange Cake with Almond Marzipan

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round cake pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Slowly incorporate the milk and vanilla extract, followed by the sifted flour and baking powder until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

To prepare the marzipan, combine almond flour and powdered sugar in a bowl. Mix well to ensure no clumps remain.

Add corn syrup, water, and almond extract, stirring until the mixture comes together. If it's too dry, add a bit more water, a teaspoon at a time.

Once your marzipan is formed, knead it on a clean surface. Add orange food coloring a few drops at a time, until you achieve the desired hue. Keep kneading until the color is evenly distributed.

Once your cake has cooled completely, level the top and cut it in half horizontally if desired. Place one half on a serving platter.

Spread a layer of your favorite filling, such as jam or buttercream, on top of the first layer, then gently place the other half back on top.

Now it's time to cover your cake with the almond marzipan. Roll out the marzipan to ensure it is large enough to cover the entire cake. Gently drape it over the cake and smooth it out to remove any air bubbles.

With a sharp knife, trim any excess marzipan at the base of the cake. You can create textures using a fork or other tools to mimic the look of an orange.

For an extra fun touch, you could use additional colored marzipan to create leaves or other decorative aspects to complete your orange cake design.

Let your cake sit for at least an hour before serving to allow the marzipan to set properly. Enjoy your stunning giant orange cake at your next celebration!