Name: Orange Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1.5 cups granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 0.5 tsp baking soda; 0.5 tsp salt; 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed); 1 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup orange zest (finely grated)

This Orange Cake recipe isn’t just a cake. It’s also delicious. Is it a burst of sunshine on ta plate? Growing up, my grandma would always bake this on dreary winter days, and the moment that warm, she would bake it in the oven. The house smelled of sweet orange. Everything felt a little brighter. Is it more moist than a regular vanilla cake? What is the best lemon drizzle cake? Why is citrus so good to eat? I always do this when I feel under the weather!

What is an orange cake?

Think of it as a ray of sunshine captured in floppy form! It’s a cake infused with the vibrant flavors and aromas of fresh oranges. We’re talking zest, juice, and sometimes even little bits of orange pulp for extra texture and flavor. What makes an orange cake moist? Light, with a beautiful crumb. Is it the perfect balance of sweet and tangy that makes it addictive? My friends always ask me to make them this cake!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What is the best orange Cake Recipe?Flavor Explosion:What is the taste of a lemon? Is this an explosion of sweet, tangy, and bright orange goodness that dances on your taste buds? It’s not just sweet, it’s complex, with those subtle bitter notes from the zest adding depth. The orange glaze makes the cake melt in your mouth. I love how citrus is intense without being overwhelming.Simplicity at its finest: A simple word atWhat is the best way to make a delicious cake? The ingredients are pantry staples, and the steps are straightforward. If I can whip this up after a long day at work, anyone can. What I love most about this is that is so easy and quick!Budget Friendly BrillianceI don’t need fancy equipment or fancy food. I just want to make a meal. Oranges are relatively inexpensive, and the rest of the components are things you probably already have. What should I have in my kitchen? What is a delicious treat that won’t break the bank? I always save money when baking instead of buying cakes.Versatility Queen:What is a perfect cake for any occasion? How do you serve a slice with your morning coffee? It’s also incredibly adaptable. Can you add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a hint of cardamom to customize it to your liking? If you love the flavour of orange, you should definitely try it!

How do I make an orange cake?

Quick Overview

This orange cake comes together in a few simple stages. First, we’ll mix the dry ingredients, then the wet. Next, we combine everything, being careful not to overmix (that’s the key to a tender crumb!). Then, into the oven it goes until golden brown. Finally, the decadent orange glaze! What makes this method special is how we maximize the orange flavor – from zesting to juicing, every part of the orange contributes to the final product. Seriously, this is so easy you should try it.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Use good quality flour!
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: For the sweetness we need to add more sugar.
How much baking powder should I use for cake?
What is the best way to add salt to a dish?
Is 1 cup milk a good substitute for almond milk?
1/2 cup vegetable oil: Adds richness and moisture.
At room temperature, 2 large eggs are cooked.
What is the best vanilla extract for cakes?
Zest of 2 oranges: Essential for that vibrant orange flavor! Make sure you get the zest, not the white pith underneath!
1/2 cup fresh orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best!

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar: Sifted, for a smooth glaze.
1/4 cup fresh orange juice: More of that lovely orange flavour!
1 tablespoon orange zest: To add beautiful colour and flavor!

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch Baking Pan. I always line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. How do I cut a cake? Can you use baking spray instead?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures a consistent texture throughout the cake. I always do this step first, so I don’t forget anything!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Set aside. Whisk until everything is well combined and the eggs are fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. If you overmix flour, you will get a cake. Be careful not to over mix. A few streaks of flour are okay. I always use a wooden spoon for this step!

Step 5: Bake

How do I spread the batter in a pan? Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness around 30 minutes. Watch it carefully. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.

Step 6: Cool & Glaze

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake is cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest for the topping. How do you pour the glaze on a cooled cake? I like to put parchment paper under the cooling rack to catch any drips.

Step 7: Slice & Serve

Once the glaze has set, slice the cake and serve. What are some good ways to serve this cake? For a beautiful presentation, garnish with sliced orange slices or extra zest.

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the most versatile ways to serve orange cake?For Breakfast:Pair it with a strong cup of coffee or latte. The citrus notes in the cake complement the richness of the coffee perfectly. For a fun presentation, cut the cake into small squares and arrange them on an icing plate. Place them next to each other.For Brunch:How do you serve an orange cake with mimosas or sparkling cider? A simple garnish of edible flowers or powdered sugar adds an elegant touch.As Dessert:What is the best way to serve vanilla Ice Cream warm?For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy this cake with a glass of milk in the evenings, during a cozy night at home!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Orange Cake

I’ve made this orange Cake Recipe countless times, and over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure it turns out perfectly every single time.

Zest with Precision: When zesting the oranges, be careful to only zest the outer, colorful layer of the peel. The white pith underneath is bitter and can ruin the flavor of the cake. I use a microplane zester for the finest zest.

Gentle Mixing: Overmixing the batter is the enemy of a tender cake. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay – they’ll disappear during baking.

Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a little more orange juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. It should be thick enough to coat the cake beautifully but thin enough to drip down the sides.

Ingredient Swaps: While I highly recommend using fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor, you can substitute bottled orange juice in a pinch. The flavour will not be the same though!

Baking to Perfection: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cake while it’s baking. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with foil. And always, always test for doneness with a wooden skewer inserted into the center.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This orange cake is delicious fresh, but it also stores well, making it perfect for making ahead or enjoying leftovers.

Room Temperature: Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will help maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any refrigerator odors. I actually prefer it cold, it just tastes better.

Freezer Instructions: The cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the cake, it’s best to glaze it after thawing. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or dissolving during the freezing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. I’ve had good results with a 1:1 replacement. Keep in mind that gluten-free flours can sometimes result in a slightly drier cake, so you may need to add an extra tablespoon or two of liquid (milk or orange juice) to the batter.

Do I need to peel the oranges?

No, you don’t need to peel the oranges. We only use the zest and juice. Make sure to wash the oranges thoroughly before zesting them.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

Absolutely! This batter works perfectly for muffins. Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. You can also use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that they may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, you can simply dust the cake with powdered sugar. You can also make a simple syrup by heating equal parts water and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Brush the syrup over the warm cake for added moisture and sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This orange cake recipe isn’t just a cake; it’s a taste of home, a slice of sunshine, and a reminder that simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. I pour my heart into this cake, and the results are amazing! I hope you love it as much as I do. If you are in the mood for other delicious cakes, you might like my vanilla cake or lemon drizzle cake recipe. Happy baking!

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