If you love the fresh, bright flavor of oranges, this Orange Cake is a must-try! Made with real orange juice and zest, this cake is ultra-moist, soft, and bursting with citrusy goodness. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert, a tea-time treat, or a special cake for brunch, this easy homemade recipe is perfect.
The best part? You only need basic pantry ingredients to whip up this flavorful cake. It’s lightly sweetened, buttery, and infused with natural orange fragrance—no artificial flavors here! Serve it plain, dust it with powdered sugar, or drizzle it with a light orange glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
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Why You’ll Love This Orange Cake
- Bright, Fresh Orange Flavor – Made with real orange juice and zest for the best natural citrus taste
- Soft & Moist Texture – A buttery, tender crumb that melts in your mouth
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and no fancy equipment needed
- Versatile & Customizable – Enjoy it plain, with glaze, or as a layered cake with frosting
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for breakfast, tea-time, or dessert
What Does This Orange Cake Taste Like?
This cake is everything you want in a citrus dessert—light, fluffy, and infused with fresh orange flavor. The natural sweetness from the juice and zest gives it a refreshing, slightly tangy taste, balanced beautifully with the buttery richness. It’s not overly sweet, making it perfect for pairing with coffee, tea, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Benefits of This Orange Cake Recipe
- No artificial flavors – Pure orange goodness from real fruit
- Beginner-friendly – Simple steps, foolproof results
- Can be made ahead – Stays fresh for days and tastes even better the next day
- Customizable – Works well with add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or a cream cheese glaze
Ingredients (Serves 8-10)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins & Toppings
- Powdered sugar – For a light dusting on top
- Orange glaze – Mix powdered sugar with orange juice for a simple glaze
- Chopped nuts – Almonds or walnuts for a crunchy bite
- Chocolate chips – Orange and chocolate make an amazing combo!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9-inch round cake pan or loaf pan
- Parchment paper (for easy removal)
- Zester or grater
How to Make the Best Orange Cake
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer (or a whisk) until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs & Flavor
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the flour mixture and the orange juice + milk, mixing gently after each addition. Start and end with the flour mixture for the best texture.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with an orange glaze. Slice and enjoy!
What to Serve with Orange Cake
- A cup of tea or coffee – The perfect pairing for a cozy snack
- Whipped cream or ice cream – Adds a creamy contrast to the citrusy cake
- Berry compote – Fresh strawberries or raspberries complement the orange flavor beautifully
- Chocolate drizzle – Because orange and chocolate are a match made in heaven!
Tips for the Perfect Orange Cake
- Use fresh orange juice – Bottled juice won’t give the same vibrant flavor
- Room temperature ingredients – Helps create a smooth, evenly mixed batter
- Don’t overmix – Stir gently to keep the cake light and fluffy
- Check for doneness – Insert a toothpick; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative, and use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can, but the cake will be denser. For a softer texture, use half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour.
How do I make an orange glaze?
Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake!
Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Yes! Divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes.
More Delicious Cake Recipes to Try
If you love this orange cake, you’ll enjoy these too!
- Homemade Brownies – Rich, fudgy, and easy to make
- Marble Cake – A perfect mix of chocolate and vanilla
- Greek Yogurt Oat Bread – A healthy and protein-packed option
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest (Pinterest Recipes) and share your creations! I’d love to see how it turns out for you. Happy baking! 🍊🎂
Nutrition Information (Per Slice) (Approximate)
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 9g
- Sugar: 18g
Moist & Zesty Orange Cake Recipe – A Citrusy Delight!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Orange Cake is soft, buttery, and packed with real orange flavor! Made with fresh orange juice and zest, it has a light, fluffy texture and the perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy zing. Whether enjoyed plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with an orange glaze, this easy homemade cake is a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for breakfast, tea-time, or dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins & Toppings:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Orange glaze (powdered sugar + orange juice)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Eggs & Flavor: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the orange zest and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and the orange juice + milk, mixing gently after each addition.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with an orange glaze. Enjoy!
Notes
- For Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and almond or oat milk.
- For Extra Moisture: Add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt to the batter.
- For a Stronger Orange Flavor: Use blood orange juice for a deeper citrus taste.
- Storage: Keeps 3 days at room temp, 1 week in the fridge, or 3 months frozen
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, European
Keywords: orange cake, citrus cake, easy orange cake, homemade orange cake, moist orange cake