Orange Cake Recipe
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If you’re craving a dessert that bursts with bright, sunny flavors and a delicate, moist crumb, this Orange Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a classic treat that balances the zest and freshness of real oranges with a buttery, tender cake base. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply indulging your own sweet tooth, the vibrant citrus notes and silky texture make this cake an unforgettable delight that’s surprisingly easy to pull off in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Orange Cake Recipe calls for a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating that perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From the rich butter that lends moisture and softness to the fresh orange juice and zest that deliver bold citrus brightness, every component counts.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the cake its structure and light crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly while helping achieve a tender texture.
- Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and moisture for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
- Fresh orange juice: The star ingredient, infusing the cake with vivid citrus aroma and juicy flavor.
- Orange zest: Concentrates the essential oils of the orange for an extra punch of fragrance and taste.
How to Make Orange Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, generously grease a round baking pan to ensure your cake doesn’t stick and has a beautiful surface when removed.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Setting these dry ingredients aside early helps with an even distribution later, making sure your cake rises uniformly and has an even crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat together the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a light, airy texture in your Orange Cake Recipe. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the batter.
Step 4: Add Fresh Orange Juice and Zest
Mix in the fresh orange juice and the zest of one orange. These ingredients bring that unmistakable fresh citrus flavor that makes this cake so irresistible. The juice adds moisture and tang, while the zest delivers concentrated orange oils for depth and brightness.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet orange-infused batter. Stir gently to combine without overmixing, which helps keep the cake tender by preventing too much gluten from developing. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the finished batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top gently. Place it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of baked orange filling your kitchen is a sure sign you’re on the right track!
How to Serve Orange Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Orange Cake Recipe with simple yet elegant garnishes such as a dusting of powdered sugar, a few thin slices of fresh orange arranged on top, or a light glaze made from orange juice and confectioners’ sugar. These add visual appeal and an extra layer of citrus flavor that complements every bite.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast. For something lighter, a side of fresh berries or a mint sprig can brighten up the presentation and balance the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests, serve your Orange Cake Recipe layered with orange curd or mascarpone cream between slices. Alternatively, cut it into mini cupcakes or use a bundt pan for a dramatic shape. Serving it on a vibrant cake stand with edible flowers can turn this simple cake into the centerpiece of any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Orange Cake Recipe stays moist and delicious when stored properly. Keep leftovers covered tightly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate if you’re keeping it longer. This prevents the cake from drying out and maintains its fresh orange flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake either whole (well wrapped) or sliced for convenience. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When stored correctly, the cake maintains its great taste and texture for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your Orange Cake Recipe fresh from the freezer, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm gently in a low oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and enhances the citrus aroma.
FAQs
Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange juice?
While orange extract can provide flavor, fresh orange juice and zest are key to achieving the bright, natural citrus character of this cake. Using fresh ingredients makes a noticeable difference in both aroma and moisture.
What type of pan is best for baking this cake?
A round, 8 or 9-inch cake pan works best for this Orange Cake Recipe. Make sure it’s well greased to prevent sticking. You can also use a bundt pan for an attractive shape and even baking.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked. Avoid opening the oven door too early to prevent the cake from collapsing.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend can work, but you may want to add xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it. The texture may vary slightly, but the orange flavor will shine through beautifully.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! The vibrant citrus flavor and moist texture make this Orange Cake Recipe ideal for birthdays, tea parties, or holiday gatherings. With simple garnishes and beautiful presentation, it can easily become the star of your dessert table.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Cake Recipe is a true kitchen gem — bright, tender, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. It’s straightforward enough for weeknight baking but special enough to impress guests or make any moment sweeter. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy this delicious slice of sunshine as much as I do!
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Print
Orange Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This moist and flavorful Orange Cake combines the zesty brightness of fresh orange juice and zest with a tender crumb, perfect for any occasion. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a delightful citrus twist on a classic dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt; set this dry mix aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes using a mixer.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Add Orange Juice and Zest: Mix in the fresh orange juice and the zest of one orange, blending until the batter is smooth and fragrant.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently folding them in without overmixing to keep the batter light and airy.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help the batter blend smoothly.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients to avoid a dense cake.
- Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the cake is ready.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- You can dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or glaze with an orange icing for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
