If you are searching for a bright, zesty dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate, this Orange Cake Recipe is just the treat you need. Bursting with fresh citrus flavor and boasting a tender, moist crumb, this cake is incredibly easy to make yet impressively flavorful. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon tea or a festive gathering, this Orange Cake Recipe combines simple ingredients in a way that will delight everyone around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need to make this Orange Cake Recipe is straightforward and pantry-friendly, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and vibrant flavor. From the fragrant zest to the fresh juice, these ingredients work together to bring out the best in this cake.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and softness to the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that tender crumb.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Essential for a light and fluffy rise.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the cake.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Contributes to the moistness and richness without overpowering the citrus notes.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the ingredients while adding additional moisture and texture.
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice: Provides authentic citrus vibrancy that brightens each bite.
- Zest of 1 orange: Packs a fragrant punch, intensifying the orange flavor beyond just juice.
How to Make Orange Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a round baking pan ensures that your beautiful Orange Cake Recipe will release easily once baked, giving you a perfect shape and smooth edges.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This combination ensures that your cake will rise evenly and have a uniform texture. Setting this aside lets you focus on making the wet ingredients silky smooth before combining.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat the unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is vital for incorporating air into the batter, which helps make your Orange Cake Recipe wonderfully airy. Adding eggs one at a time here allows for a fully emulsified, smooth batter.
Step 4: Add Orange Juice and Zest
Gently mix in the fresh orange juice and the zest of one orange. This is where the cake starts to come alive with its signature citrus flavor, infusing the batter with fresh and fragrant notes that will shine through after baking.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, taking care not to overmix. Overworking the batter can develop gluten and make the cake dense, but gentle folding keeps the texture tender and soft—just the way an Orange Cake Recipe should be.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This timing ensures the cake is cooked through without drying out, preserving that moist, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
How to Serve Orange Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of orange glaze can elevate your Orange Cake Recipe to the next level. For extra flair, add thin slices of fresh orange or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios to add texture and color that make the cake irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the citrus sharpness with creamy smoothness. A cup of hot tea or coffee also complements the bright notes of the orange beautifully, making it a perfect afternoon indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Orange Cake Recipe into a stunning dessert centerpiece by layering it with orange curd and whipped cream for a fresh trifle. Alternatively, slice and serve with a side of macerated berries for a visually beautiful and flavor-packed treat that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Orange Cake Recipe covered at room temperature for up to two days without losing its freshness. If your kitchen is warm, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge is a smart idea to maintain moistness while preventing it from drying out.
Freezing
This cake freezes exceptionally well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and it will keep for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to enjoy that just-baked taste any time you crave.
Reheating
To warm slices of the Orange Cake Recipe, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave briefly to regain softness and warmth. This simple step revives all those citrus aromas and makes the cake feel freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange juice and zest?
While you can substitute orange extract, fresh juice and zest provide a natural brightness and depth of flavor that extracts cannot fully replicate. For the best results in this Orange Cake Recipe, stick to fresh ingredients whenever possible.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can try swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for proper texture, as this will help keep the cake moist and tender.
Is this cake suitable for freezing before or after baking?
You can freeze both the unbaked batter (in a suitable container) and the fully baked cake. Freezing the cake after baking gives you the convenience of having a ready-to-serve dessert whenever you want without sacrificing texture or flavor.
How can I make the cake more moist?
Adding a simple orange syrup made from sugar and fresh juice to brush over the cake layers after baking helps lock in moisture. This trick turns the Orange Cake Recipe into an ultra-juicy delight.
Can I make cupcakes instead of a whole cake?
Yes! This batter works wonderfully as cupcakes. Reduce the baking time to about 18-20 minutes and keep an eye on them so they stay perfectly tender. They’re a fun, portion-controlled way to enjoy the Orange Cake Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Cake Recipe is a wonderful way to brighten any day with its fresh, lively flavor and soft, inviting texture. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite to bake again and again. So grab your ingredients, dive into the process, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of citrus happiness that feels like a warm hug in cake form.
Print
Orange Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This delightful Orange Cake features a moist and tender crumb infused with fresh orange juice and zest, offering a bright citrus flavor perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, this cake is a refreshing twist on a classic dessert.
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 and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure they are evenly distributed; set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cake.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to fully integrate and maintain a smooth batter.
- Incorporate orange flavor: Mix in the fresh orange juice and the zest of one orange until the batter is smooth and fragrant with citrus notes.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually fold the whisked dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix to keep the cake tender and light.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming.
- Do not overmix after adding dry ingredients to avoid a dense cake.
- You can substitute fresh orange juice with store-bought orange juice, but fresh juice provides the best flavor.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or add orange zest on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
