The Ultimate Orange Cake Recipe: Moist, Fluffy & Bursting with Citrus Flavor
Have you ever craved a dessert that's both refreshing and indulgent, with a natural citrus burst that reminds you of sunshine? If so, this orange cake recipe is exactly what you need. Making an orange cake at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients, avoid preservatives, and create a dessert that's far superior to store-bought versions. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this homemade easy orange cake recipe delivers a tender crumb, vibrant flavor, and unforgettable aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from 2-3 oranges)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for added depth
Timing / Cooking Schedule
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
This recipe is perfect for weekend baking or when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The simple prep and hands-off baking make it ideal for beginners and busy schedules alike.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and dust lightly with flour, or line with parchment paper for easy release. This prevents sticking and ensures a perfect presentation.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting isn't mandatory, but it helps create a lighter texture by aerating the flour and removing lumps.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). This incorporates air, which is essential for a tender, airy cake. The mixture should turn pale yellow and double in volume.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract and orange zest. The zest contains essential oils that deliver intense citrus flavor, so don't skip this step when making your orange cake recipe.
Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with orange juice and milk (start and end with flour). Mix on low speed just until combined—overmixing develops gluten and results in a tough cake. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden on top and spring back when lightly pressed. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Prepare and Apply Glaze While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle over the slightly warm cake—this allows the glaze to soak in partially while creating a beautiful glossy finish. For an easy orange cake recipe variation, you can skip the glaze and dust with powdered sugar instead.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Information
Per serving (serves 10):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Vitamin C: 15% DV
- Iron: 8% DV
Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice
Dietary Swaps: - Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. - Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and almond or oat milk. - Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar to 1 cup for a less sweet cake, perfect for pairing with tea.
Flavor Variations: - Add ½ teaspoon of cardamom or cinnamon for a warm spice note. - Mix in ½ cup of poppy seeds for a classic orange-poppy seed combination. - Fold in ½ cup of blueberries or cranberries for added texture and tartness.
Meal Prep: This cake can be baked ahead and frozen (unglazed) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and glaze before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Using Cold Ingredients Cold eggs and butter don't emulsify properly, resulting in a dense cake. Always bring ingredients to room temperature (about 30 minutes on the counter).
Mistake 2: Overmixing the Batter Mixing too vigorously after adding flour develops gluten, making the cake tough. Mix just until no flour streaks remain.
Mistake 3: Skipping the Zest Orange juice alone doesn't deliver enough flavor. The zest contains aromatic oils that make this cake truly shine—always include it.
Mistake 4: Overbaking Check the cake at 35 minutes. Overbaking dries it out. The cake is done when a toothpick has a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Mistake 5: Glazing a Hot Cake Applying glaze to a hot cake causes it to run off completely. Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes so the glaze sets beautifully.
Storage / Leftovers Tips
Store your finished orange cake recipe at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The glaze helps seal in moisture, keeping the cake fresh longer. For extended storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week—bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature for 1-2 hours or microwave for 20-30 seconds. The cake retains its fluffy texture remarkably well after freezing, making it perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
If your easy orange cake recipe becomes slightly dry after storage, warm slices briefly and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to restore moisture and add richness. Leftover cake also makes an excellent base for trifles or bread pudding—simply cube and layer with custard and fresh fruit.
