Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange an oven rack in the center.
- Generously coat the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with olive oil, then line the bottom with parchment paper and coat the paper with oil.
- Zest one blood orange to yield 1 tablespoon of zest and set aside.
- Trim about an inch off each end of 5 blood oranges, then carefully cut off the peel and white pith following the curve of the orange.
- Slice the peeled oranges into 1/4-inch rounds and arrange them in overlapping concentric circles on the bottom of the prepared pan, filling any gaps with smaller pieces.
- Sprinkle the arranged orange slices with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and place the pan on a baking sheet; set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
- In a separate small bowl, stir together the 1/4 cup blood orange juice, 1/2 cup Campari, and reserved orange zest.
- In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the 3 large eggs and 1 cup granulated sugar until light, thick, and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Gradually add 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil in a slow stream, beating for another 2 minutes until fully incorporated.
- Add the Campari-blood orange juice mixture and whole milk to the egg mixture, mixing until just incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed only until just combined and no streaks of flour remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan over the orange slices.
- Transfer the baking sheet with the cake to the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the center is firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the syrup: Combine 1 cup blood orange juice, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt in a small saucepan.
- Bring the syrup mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and cook until it reduces to about 1/2 cup and is slightly thickened, about 15 minutes (watch closely to prevent boiling over).
- Remove the syrup from the heat, stir in 2 tablespoons of Campari, and allow it to cool.
- Let the baked cake cool in the pan for about 30 minutes, then run a knife around the edges of the pan before carefully removing the outer ring.
- Invert the cake onto a serving plate and gently peel away the parchment paper to reveal the orange topping.
- Drizzle the cooled blood orange Campari syrup generously over the cake before serving.
Notes
For an alcohol-free version, omit the Campari from both the cake and the syrup. You can add a few drops of orange blossom water to the syrup for a similar aromatic quality.
This cake is wonderful served at room temperature and can be made a day in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Ensure your blood oranges are ripe and juicy for the best flavor and yield for the juice and zest.
