Bright, zesty, and oh-so-moist, this Orange Cake is the dessert that always steals the spotlight at any gathering. Its sunshiny citrus flavor and tender crumb make it irresistible to both kids and adults, while the simple orange glaze puts it over the top. Whether you’re looking for the perfect centerpiece for brunch, a birthday treat, or just something to sweeten up the weekend, Orange Cake does it all—deliciously and effortlessly!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredient list fool you—each staple plays a starring role in turning this Orange Cake into a true showstopper. The fresh orange juice and zest breathe life into every bite, while pantry basics bring structure, flavor, and that dreamy golden hue.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, ensuring a soft yet stable crumb that holds all the citrus goodness.
- Sugar: Sweetens—and enhances—the vibrant orange flavor throughout the cake and the glaze.
- Baking powder: The secret to a light, airy rise that gives this cake its pillowy texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch, but it makes the orange really pop and balances the sweetness.
- Eggs: Essential for binding and adding moisture, resulting in a rich, tender cake.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the Orange Cake incredibly moist and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- Fresh orange juice: Delivers big, juicy flavor and natural sweetness—bottled juice just can’t compare.
- Zest of 1 orange: Packs a punch of aromatic, concentrated citrus; don’t skip it!
- Milk: Adds extra tenderness and helps blend everything to silky-smooth perfection.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Makes a smooth, glossy glaze that clings to the cake beautifully.
- Fresh orange juice (for glaze): Reinforces that sparkling citrus taste right on top.
How to Make Orange Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F)—your kitchen is about to smell incredible! Take a moment to grease and flour your favorite cake pan, ensuring that not a single crumb gets left behind later. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until everything looks even. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, oil, freshly squeezed orange juice, zest, and milk until it’s all silky-smooth. Gradually pour your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring with care. You’re aiming for a batter that’s just blended, without overmixing, to guarantee a soft final texture.
Step 2: Bake
Now, pour that luscious batter into the prepared cake pan. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter—that’s the secret to popping any sneaky air bubbles. Slide it into your oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The real magic happens as the Orange Cake rises, fills your kitchen with citrus aroma, and turns a perfect golden brown. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should emerge clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan, then transfer it to a rack until completely cool—patience pays off here!
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze (Optional but Highly Recommended)
While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of fresh orange juice until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. If you love a little extra zing, add more juice; if you prefer it thicker, add less. Once the Orange Cake is fully cool, drizzle (or generously slather!) the glaze on top and let it set for the most irresistible finish.
How to Serve Orange Cake
Garnishes
The final look is almost as satisfying as the flavor! Dress up your Orange Cake with delicate twists of orange peel, a sprinkle of zest, or even candied orange slices for a dazzling effect. A scattering of chopped pistachios or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds contrast and makes every slice look bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo, or serve it alongside fresh berries like strawberries and raspberries for an extra burst of freshness. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream never hurt, either! For brunch, Orange Cake is fantastic with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, turn the cake into gorgeous mini loaves or cupcakes—just adjust the bake time. You can also stack two layers with whipped cream cheese frosting between, or even cube the cake and layer it into parfaits with fruit and cream for an elegant dessert cup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Orange Cake stays fresh for days! Simply wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. In the fridge, it’s good for up to 5 days. If glazed, wait until the cake is completely cooled and the glaze is set before storing to avoid stickiness.
Freezing
For longer storage, Orange Cake can be frozen (unglazed or glazed). Wrap individual slices or the whole cake well in both plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature—this cake stays wonderfully moist even after freezing.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked magic, you can gently warm slices of Orange Cake in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you’re serving a crowd, pop the unglazed cake in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 10 minutes. Always add the glaze after reheating for the glossiest finish!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh?
Absolutely, but fresh orange juice makes a noticeable difference in the flavor and fragrance. If you use store-bought, try to pick a high-quality, pulp-free juice with no added sugar for the best results in your Orange Cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture may be slightly different but you’ll still get a gorgeous, citrusy cake. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary a little.
What size cake pan works best?
A standard 9-inch round cake pan or a loaf pan both work beautifully for Orange Cake. For mini cakes or cupcakes, just divide the batter evenly and adjust the bake time to 15–20 minutes.
Is the glaze necessary?
The cake is delicious on its own, but the orange glaze takes it to the next level! It adds moisture and a dazzling citrus punch. If you want something less sweet, a dusting of powdered sugar works, too.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pistachios, or even dried cranberries are lovely additions that bring extra texture and interest to your Orange Cake. Just fold them in before pouring the batter into the pan.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both simple and simply unforgettable, Orange Cake is your answer. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s a beloved favorite—bursting with bright flavor, easy to make, and irresistibly moist every single time. Bake a batch soon and share the joy!