Orange Cake Recipe
If you’re dreaming of a dessert that’s bursting with sunshine flavor, this Orange Cake is about to become your new favorite treat. Each slice is tender, moist, and beautifully scented with fresh orange, making it impossible to resist a second helping. Whether you want a quick after-dinner sweet or something a little special for a weekend gathering, this cake delivers a perfect balance of citrusy zing and comforting homemade texture. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making a stellar Orange Cake starts with simple, everyday ingredients that each play an important part. From the lively hit of citrus to the rich, buttery foundation, each component ensures the final cake is rich, moist, and irresistibly aromatic.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, giving structure and tender crumb—make sure to measure generously but level for the best results.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise, making it light and fluffy.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich and tender crumb; room temperature butter creams best with sugar.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps to aerate the butter for a soft cake.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Orange zest: Delivers that unforgettable bright, citrus aroma right to your kitchen.
- Fresh orange juice: The star, infusing every bite with genuine orange flavor.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and keeps the cake tender (substitute with more orange juice for a bolder flavor!).
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the citrus notes for a full, well-balanced flavor.
- Powdered sugar and orange juice (for optional glaze): Whisks up into a simple, glossy icing that amplifies the citrusy finish.
How to Make Orange Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper. This crucial first step ensures your Orange Cake pops out effortlessly with golden, intact edges.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these together to distribute the leavening and seasoning evenly—this little bit of effort makes a huge difference in the cake’s crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming process traps air, giving your Orange Cake that soft, cloud-like texture everyone loves.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Orange Zest
Beat in the eggs one at a time to avoid curdling, followed by the vibrant orange zest. Each addition brings smoothness and layers of flavor, setting the stage for a cake that’s as aromatic as it is delicious.
Step 5: Mix in the Orange Juice, Milk, and Vanilla
Stir in the fresh orange juice, whole milk, and vanilla extract until just combined. If the mixture looks slightly curdled at this point, don’t stress—it’s totally normal and will blend right in once you add the flour mixture.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add your whisked dry ingredients to the wet, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this step ensures your Orange Cake stays tender and moist, not tough.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Optional Orange Glaze
If you want a little extra flair, mix powdered sugar with orange juice and drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. It adds a gorgeous sheen and amplifies the citrus kick!
How to Serve Orange Cake
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but orange slices, zest curls, or even a spoonful of whipped cream will make your Orange Cake truly memorable. If you’ve chosen the glaze, let it drip enticingly down the sides for a bakery-worthy presentation.
Side Dishes
This cake shines on its own, but it’s even better alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a small fruit salad. The cool, creamy accompaniments balance the bright notes of citrus in each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making mini Orange Cakes by dividing the batter into muffin tins, or stack layers with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a show-stopping centerpiece. For a brunch spread, cut your cake into dainty squares and serve atop a tiered stand with fresh berries for a stunning display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Orange Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. The flavors often deepen as it sits, making the next day’s slice even more delightful.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake (unglazed if possible) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you’d like a warm slice, microwave individual pieces for 10–15 seconds. This refreshes their softness and revives that wonderful citrus smell you had when the Orange Cake first came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh orange juice brings a brighter, more vibrant citrus taste, but bottled juice can be used if that’s what you have. Just go for one without added sugars or concentrates for best results.
How do I keep my Orange Cake extra moist?
Don’t overbake—check it a few minutes before the recommended time. Also, measuring your ingredients accurately (especially the flour) and using whole milk will help ensure a perfectly moist crumb.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dark chocolate chips make fantastic mix-ins. Fold them in just before pouring the batter into the pan for a fun twist.
Is this recipe suitable for cupcakes?
Yes! Divide the batter evenly among lined muffin tins and bake for about 18–22 minutes. Keep an eye out and test with a toothpick for doneness.
What’s the best way to zest an orange for this cake?
A microplane or fine grater works wonderfully. Only take the colored part of the peel, since the white pith underneath is bitter. Zest the orange right before baking for maximum aromatic punch.
Final Thoughts
If you love citrus desserts, give this Orange Cake a try—the burst of sunshine flavor and pillowy texture will win over everyone at your table. I can’t wait for you to taste just how easy and delicious homemade can be!
Print
Orange Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful orange cake is a burst of citrusy goodness in every bite. Moist and flavorful, this easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the cake pan.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat butter and sugar, then add eggs, orange zest, orange juice, milk, and vanilla.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Cool the cake, then optionally drizzle with orange glaze before serving.
Notes
- For a more intense orange flavor, substitute part of the milk with additional orange juice.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
