This Moist Orange Cake is soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Made with real orange juice and zest, it’s topped with a sweet orange glaze that keeps every bite moist and delicious. Perfect for breakfa
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 40–50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 10–12
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 1 cup (240 ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 g) plain yogurt or sour cream
For the Orange Glaze
- 1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon melted butter (optional, for extra shine)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, loaf pan, or Bundt pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl:
- Beat the softened butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
Step 4: Combine the Batter
- Add one-third of the dry ingredients.
- Mix in half of the orange juice and yogurt.
- Repeat, ending with the remaining dry ingredients.
- Stir just until combined—do not overmix.
Step 5: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Orange Glaze
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and melted butter (if using).
- Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice or powdered sugar as needed.
- Drizzle over the cooled cake and let it set for 10–15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Fresh orange slices
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh berries
- A cup of tea or coffee
Tips for the Best Orange Cake
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the brightest flavor.
- Finely grate only the orange-colored part of the peel to avoid bitterness.
- Bring eggs and dairy to room temperature before mixing.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake soft and tender.
- Brush the warm cake with a little orange juice for extra moisture before glazing.
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Orange Cake
Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the glazed cake.
Orange Almond Cake
Replace ½ cup of the flour with almond flour for a richer texture.
Cranberry Orange Cake
Fold 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries into the batter.
Orange Coconut Cake
Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter and sprinkle some over the glaze.
Lemon-Orange Cake
Use half lemon juice and half orange juice for a refreshing citrus twist.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 340
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 28 g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, moist, and full of fresh orange flavor.
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or dessert.
- The tangy orange glaze adds a beautiful finish and extra burst of citrus.
st, afternoon tea, or dessert!