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Full round orange chia cake on a plate, golden and textured with chia seeds.
Anne Newgent

High-Protein Orange Chia Cake

This moist, zesty, high-protein orange chia cake is the perfect combination of flavor and nutrition. Packed with real citrus, chia seeds, and over 12 grams of protein per slice, it's a deliciously smart choice for breakfast, post-workout recovery, or a satisfying snack any time of day.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Healthy, Healthy Baking, Western
Calories: 351

Ingredients
  

Cake Base
  • 250 g Salted butter softened to room temperature
  • 100 g Caster sugar
  • 4 Egg yolks from large eggs
  • 200 g Self-raising flour sifted for a light texture
Citrus Flavor and Moisture
  • 3 Fresh orange zest from 3 oranges
  • 1 Fresh lemon zest
  • 60 ml Freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 0.5 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
Added Nutrition
  • 2 tbsp Organic black chia seeds

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 170°C. Lightly grease your baking pan with butter on the base and sides. Sift the self-raising flour into a bowl and set it aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, caster sugar, orange zest, and lemon zest until pale and fluffy.
  3. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth batter.
  4. On low speed, gently fold in the sifted flour. Alternate with orange and lemon juice until well blended. Do not overmix.
  5. In a clean bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy. Gradually add sugar and continue whisking until stiff peaks form.
  6. Using a spatula, gently fold the meringue into the main batter in three parts, folding slowly to keep the mixture light.
  7. Spoon a layer of plain batter into the greased pan. Mix chia seeds into the remaining batter and layer it over the first. Smooth the top evenly.
  8. Bake for about 35 minutes. Insert a skewer into the center; it should come out clean when done.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use fresh citrus for best flavor. Mix chia seeds just before baking. For extra flair, serve with Greek yogurt or a drizzle of orange glaze. Store in the fridge for 5–7 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 351 kcal | Carbohydrates: 19 g | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 28 g | Saturated Fat: 17 g | Cholesterol: 165 mg | Sodium: 253 mg | Potassium: 67 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 1 g | Vitamin A: 911 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 23 mg | Iron: 1 mg
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the products and brands you use. Calculate the actual nutrition values using your preferred nutrition calculator and the exact ingredients you choose.