Orange Fool (or Boodles Orange Fool)
Orange fool isn’t a very well known dessert, by the name of orange boodle, but it should be! Read on to learn more about this light and refreshing British dessert!
Allow me to introduce you to Boodle’s orange fool! It is a a luscious, creamy orange dessert from England, that you will be delighted to discover.
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Sometimes it feels as though serendipity isn’t really serendipitous. Okay, that sounds silly–what I mean is that sometimes it seems as though there’s more at work than just sheer luck. I was clearly meant to make this orange fool.
Just a couple of days ago, I went through my freezer and noticed that I had a bowl of leftover sponge cake pieces from my niece’s baptism cake. I thought to myself, “I need to use that,” but I wanted to make something other than trifle.
When I came inside, I started putting some things away in the kitchen and picked up a British cookbook that was on the counter, flipped the pages and “ORANGE BOODLE” just popped out at me.
“What a strange name!” I thought, and of course, I had to see what it was. Would you believe that the first ingredient was pieces of sponge cake? Honestly, these things happen to me all the time, and it’s rather freaky.
Everyone’s raving about this Sicilian whole orange cake! Have you tried it?
Once I read the recipe, I just knew it was “dessert fate” and I had to make it. I needed sponge cake, the rind and juice of two oranges (which were ripe on my tree), the rind and juice of one large lemon (Meyer lemons were also ripe on my tree), and double cream. I had whipping cream in the fridge, and it needed to be used as it was nearing the expiration date! How crazy is that?
The result? Boodle’s orange fool is delightfully delicious. If you like orange creamsicles, this is like a grown up version!
What is Orange Boodle?
A quick google search filled in the missing information regarding the origin of this refreshing treat. Apparently, Boodles is an exclusive gentlemen’s club in London which was almost simply reserved to the Royal Family.
Sir Winston Churchill was given an honorary membership to the club where he would often sit and smoke his cigar in front of the bay window. It is in Boodles Club where Orange Boodle, or Boodles Orange Fool originated. (Information courtesy of WinstonChurchill.org.)
Incidentally, I’ve been to Chartwell, Sir Winston’s last home, which is now a part of the National Trust. I highly recommend visiting, if you are able, and US residents should buy a Royal Oak Foundation membership when visiting the UK. See below.
To me, Boodles orange fool is a cross between a trifle and a posset: the best of both worlds! I love it and of course, you could change the orange for any other citrus if you don’t mind breaking tradition. (Go for it!)
Love oranges? Try this quick and easy orange ice cream made in your blender!
SPECIAL OFFER: If you’re heading to the UK this year, don’t miss joining the Royal Oak Foundation before you go! Not only does your membership grant you free admission to all the National Trust Properties in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, and National Trust of Scotland properties, but also includes a parking pass! There’s a perfect membership level for everyone (including students.)
Click here and use the discount code, “CUCINA” to receive a 10% discount!
Orange Boodle (Boodles Orange Fool)
slightly adapted from Woman and Home Great British Bakery by Lucy Knox serves 6
FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW
Ingredients
- leftover yellow (sponge) cake
- fresh, organic oranges
- fresh, organic lemon (preferably Meyer)
- Baker’s sugar (caster)
- heavy whipping cream (double cream in UK)
- (optional: Grand Marnier liqueur and candied orange peel, pieces of orange rind or fresh orange segments to decorate)
Directions
Place the pieces of cake into the bottom of 6 long-stemmed glasses and sprinkle with Grand Marnier if desired.
Place the citrus juices and rinds into a measuring jug (it should be about 7 fluid ounces) and stir in the sugar until it dissolves.
Whip the cream until thick, then gradually add the citrus mixture, while continuing to beat the cream.
Pour the mixture over the cake in the glasses and chill for a few hours, or overnight.
The juice will drain out of the cream into the cake and the cream will set. Finally, decorate with some candied orange peel or fresh zest, or even orange segments and serve.
This dessert is bursting with citrus flavor in the mousse-like cream and is perfectly paired to the juice and liqueur soaked cake lurking below!
Try it and let me know what you think.
Orange Boodle (or Boodles Orange Fool) a Luscious, Creamy Orange Dessert from England
Ingredients
- 6 oz leftover yellow sponge cake
- 2 Tbsp orange rind organic
- 4 oz orange juice organic, freshly squeezed
- 2 tsp lemon rind organic (preferably Meyer)
- 2 oz lemon juice organic (freshly squeezed)
- ¼ cup Baker's sugar caster
- 10 oz heavy whipping cream double cream in UK
- 2 tsp Grand Marnier liqueur (optional)
Instructions
- Place the pieces of cake into the bottom of 6 long-stemmed glasses and sprinkle with Grand Marnier if desired.
- Place the citrus juices and rinds into a measuring jug (it should be about 7 fluid ounces) and stir in the sugar until it dissolves.
- Whip the cream until thick, then gradually add the citrus mixture, while continuing to beat the cream.
- Pour the mixture over the cake in the glasses and chill for a few hours, or overnight.
- The juice will drain out of the cream into the cake and the cream will set. Just decorate with some candied orange peel (recipe coming soon) or fresh zest, or even orange segments and serve.
Notes
- Ingredient amounts aren't critical in this recipe.
Nutrition
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Hello from the UK! Your Boodles Orange Dessert is a recipe I discovered in the mid 1980’s ! It was called Boodles Orange Cake ( a dessert more than a cake) From the moment I made it , it has become a firm favourite of mine as all the ingredients are usually in fridge or cupboard and it’s a quick easy dish which everyone enjoys.
Thank you for the history lesson 😋
Isn’t it wonderful!? Thanks, Chrissie!
I think this is my new favorite dessert. Pure citrus perfection.
Thank you, Cathy! It’s super easy, too!