Imagine this: the aroma of fresh oranges filling your kitchen, the soft, golden crumb of a cake that practically melts in your mouth, and a hint of tangy zest that makes every bite irresistible. Orange cake is a classic dessert that’s light, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to weekend tea times.
This isn’t just a cake; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you pause, savor, and maybe even pour yourself another cup of coffee just to enjoy another slice. With a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus brightness, this orange cake proves that simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- Zest of 2 large oranges
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ½ cup milk, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Orange Glaze (Optional but recommended):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
Kitchen Tools
- Loaf or round cake pan (8-inch recommended)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Zester or microplane
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cooling rack
- Small bowl for glaze
How to Make Orange Cake
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C. Grease your cake pan with butter and lightly dust with flour or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, for about 2–3 minutes. The batter should look pale yellow and airy, which ensures a tender cake.
4. Add Eggs & Flavor
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and orange zest, this is when your kitchen starts to smell like a citrus paradise.
5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients alternately with orange juice and milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, overmixing can make the cake dense.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Pro Tip: If the top starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.
7. Make the Orange Glaze
While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency, add more juice if it’s too thick, or more sugar if too runny.
8. Glaze & Cool
Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for 10–15 minutes. Poke small holes on top with a skewer and slowly drizzle the orange glaze over the warm cake so it seeps in, making every bite extra moist and flavorful.
Allow to cool completely before slicing to serve.
Tips for Perfect Orange Cake
Fresh Oranges: Always use fresh juice and zest for the best flavor.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Makes mixing easier and ensures a smooth batter.
Don’t Overmix: Keeps the crumb soft and tender.
Optional Glaze: Adds moisture, shine, and a sweet-tangy finish.
Storage: Wrap in foil or store in an airtight container, keeps well for 3–4 days.
Fun Variations
- Orange Poppy Seed Cake – Fold in 1–2 tsp poppy seeds for subtle texture.
- Chocolate Orange Cake – Add cocoa powder to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
- Orange & Almond Cake – Mix in almond extract and sprinkle slivered almonds for a nutty crunch.
- Mini Bundt Orange Cakes – Perfect for gifting or tea-time treats.
Orange cake is bright, flavorful, and comforting all at once. The balance of citrus zing and soft, buttery crumb makes it a dessert you’ll return to again and again. Every bite is a little sunbeam, a little celebration, and a whole lot of deliciousness.
From morning coffee to afternoon tea or a weekend dessert table centerpiece, this cake is easy to bake, hard to resist, and guaranteed to impress.
