If you love vibrant, zesty flavors that lift your mood with every bite, you are in for a treat with this Orange Cake Recipe. This cake perfectly balances the brightness of fresh orange juice and zest with the comforting sweetness of a classic buttery sponge. It’s moist, fragrant, and easy enough to whip up on a weekday but special enough to impress guests on any occasion. The delightful citrus aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is just the beginning of this cake’s charm!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Orange Cake Recipe comes from a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create extraordinary flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the tender crumb the flour builds to the citrus punch the fresh orange juice and zest deliver.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure you need for a light but sturdy cake crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender texture when creamed with butter.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that gives the cake its fluffy rise.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and citrus brightness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, giving the cake that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Eggs: Act as a binder and give the cake structure while adding extra richness.
- Fresh orange juice: The star ingredient, infusing the batter with bright, natural citrus flavor.
- Orange zest: Packs an intense burst of aroma and enhances the fresh orange taste throughout the cake.
How to Make Orange Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s at the perfect temperature when your batter is ready. Grease a round baking pan to ensure your cake will release easily and have beautiful edges.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This blends the leavening evenly and prevents clumps, which is key for a smooth batter and even rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential—it creates air pockets that help give your cake a soft texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This adds richness and structure, and careful mixing ensures a silky batter ready to embrace those bright orange flavors.
Step 5: Mix in Fresh Orange Juice and Zest
Stir in the fresh orange juice and fragrant orange zest until fully combined. This is the moment your cake batter starts to sing with citrusy brightness, making each bite lively and refreshing.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix. Overworking the batter can make the cake tough; gentle folding keeps it light and tender.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling that your Orange Cake Recipe has baked to perfection.
How to Serve Orange Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate the experience with simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze made with orange juice and powdered sugar. Fresh orange slices or candied orange peel add a beautiful touch that complements the cake’s citrus flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Orange Cake with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt. Fresh berries also make an excellent side that adds color and a burst of complementary flavor on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve slices of the Orange Cake with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of toasted almonds. Layer it with citrus-flavored frosting or use it as the base for a bright trifle, garnished with mint leaves for a festive flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Orange Cake fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain its moisture and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Gently warm slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to revive that just-baked softness. Be careful not to overheat and dry out the cake.
FAQs
Can I use orange extract instead of fresh juice and zest?
While orange extract can add flavor, it won’t provide the same fresh brightness and natural moisture that fresh orange juice and zest bring to this Orange Cake Recipe. For the best flavor, fresh ingredients are highly recommended.
Is this cake gluten-free?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, you could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary, especially in texture.
Can I substitute butter with oil?
Butter provides richness and structure crucial for this cake’s texture, but you can substitute with a neutral oil like vegetable oil. Expect a slightly different texture—oil tends to make cakes moister but less fluffy.
What if I don’t have baking powder?
Baking powder is the leavening agent that makes the cake rise. You could try using baking soda plus an acid like a little vinegar or additional orange juice, but it’s best to follow the recipe as is for perfect results.
How long will the Orange Cake last once baked?
Stored properly, the cake will stay fresh at room temperature for about three days and in the refrigerator for up to a week. Beyond that, freshness and texture may start to decline.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Cake Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that never fails to bring smiles. It’s simple, joyful, and bursting with sunshine in every bite. Whether it’s for a cozy family gathering or a special celebration, you’ll find yourself coming back to this cake again and again. Give it a try—you deserve a slice of happiness today!
Print
Orange Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Orange Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh orange juice and zest, it delivers a bright citrus flavor balanced by a tender crumb. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, this cake is ideal for gatherings or a delightful treat alongside your afternoon tea.
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 thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using a mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. This helps create a tender texture in the cake.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing 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 until fully combined, ensuring the batter is smooth and bursting with citrus flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
- Pour and bake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the cake light and tender.
- You can substitute fresh orange juice with store-bought, but fresh juice enhances flavor.
- If desired, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or glaze with a simple orange icing for extra sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
