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.
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Orange Boodle (or Boodles Orange Fool) a Luscious, Creamy Orange Dessert from England
An old English recipe for a simple orange flavored, light pudding/dessert.
Ingredients
- 6 oz leftover yellow (sponge) cake
- grated rind and juice from 2 fresh, organic oranges
- grated rind and juice from 1 fresh, organic lemon (preferably Meyer)
- 1/3 cup Baker's sugar (caster)
- 10 oz 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)
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
Try a lemon version, too.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 glassAmount Per Serving: Calories: 239Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 62mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 2gSugar: 16gProtein: 2g
Nutrition information is only estimated.
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I love the history of this dish! And the fact that it’s almost impossible say out loud three times in a row… And, since oranges are right on our trees right now, I might just have to bake a sponge cake to make this. Now, what will I do with the leftover spongecake from that?
That would be a predicament, David! ;) haha! I do hope you try this recipe as it’s just too good for words, especially with homegrown oranges and lemons!
Dear Christina, I absolutely love serendipity. Even just the word. This dessert looks luscious and I’m so glad you opened that cookbook page and rifled through your freezer. Timing is everything. I love the candied orange peel, the perfect garnish! Have a lovely weekend, friend!
Ha! I love that word, too! Thank you, Allie! I hope you give Orange Boodle a try one day! :)
Oh my gosh! This looks so dreamy!! Beautiful photos. I can almost taste this pretty dessert through your pictures. I have never heard of Boodle… What a funny name for such an elegant dessert!! I must try this one. I have to make it just so I can say try this Orange “Boodle.” :)
Haha! Actually Katie, it’s not a “Boodle”, but a fool. The reason it’s called a “Boodle” is from the club where it originated. Whatever it’s called, it’s delicious! I hope you do try it!
Isn’t this funny? Christina, I have never ever heard of boodles, never mind a club for them. How wonderful – and so is this dessert which sounds deliciously citrusy and easy too. Thanks for introducing me to it – on my “must make” list.
Haha! The dessert isn’t actually a boodle, it’s a fool, but as one reader commented, more like a cross between a posset and a trifle! I think Boodles Orange Fool is more of an explanatory name, but the cookbook I found it in called it Orange Boodle. Strange how things are named, but regardless, I’m sure you and your family will love it! Thanks, Jill!
Looks delicious and very easy to make thanks for the recipe.
It’s SO easy to make, Erika! I’m sure you’ll make it over and over again; I know I will. :)
I love orange flavored desserts. One of my favorite combos is orange and dark chocolate, so I would probably drizzle a little on top or serve a square of dark chocolate on the side!
LOVE that idea, Andi! Must try it, myself! :)
How divine! Love those English desserts x
Thanks, Liz! Aren’t they the best?!
Love it Christina, the name and all. You know I am such a fan of orange anything and never her of a boodle but must try it.
Oooh, you’d LOVE the Orange Boodle, Suzanne! As another reader commented, chocolate pairs so well with the orange, she’d serve it with a square of chocolate! I’m sure you’d love that even more! ;)