Name: Easy and Delicious Orange Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons orange zest; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tablespoons orange juice

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Bright, zesty, and bursting with sunshine in every bite, this Easy and Delicious Orange Cake Recipe is your invitation to dessert happiness. Imagine a cake that’s moist from plenty of fresh orange juice, fragrant with orange zest, and finished with a simple yet luscious glaze that makes each slice irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want something sweet to brighten your day, this recipe combines approachable ingredients and straightforward steps for results that taste bakery-fancy but feel homemade.

Easy and Delicious Orange Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy and Delicious Orange Cake Recipe lies in its handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, creating a cake that’s light, flavorful, and unforgettable. Gather these items, and you’re already halfway to your new favorite citrus treat!

All-purpose flour: The trusty foundation for structure and just the right crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake, helping it brown beautifully and stay moist.
Vegetable oil: Adds unbeatable moisture that keeps the cake soft for days.
Freshly squeezed orange juice: The heart of the cake’s flavor, delivering natural sweetness and tang.
Orange zest: Intensifies citrus aromas, making every bite taste like sunshine.
Large eggs: Bind the batter together and bring rich texture.
Baking powder: Lifts the batter to achieve a tender, fluffy rise.
Salt: Just a touch makes all the other flavors pop.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the cake with warm, cozy undertones.
Powdered sugar (for glaze, optional): Turns fresh orange juice into a sweet, glossy finish.
Orange juice (for glaze, optional): Echoes the cake’s main flavor right to the top.

How to Make Easy and Delicious Orange Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Set the Scene

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round or loaf cake pan. A well-prepped pan ensures the cake pops out easily and retains its gorgeous shape. Taking a minute here means no sticking later, just perfect cake slices every time!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Zest

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and most importantly, the orange zest. The zest infuses the flour with those fresh, natural citrus oils, setting the stage for the Easy and Delicious Orange Cake Recipe’s signature fragrance and flavor.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, freshly squeezed orange juice, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully combined. The eggs give structure, the oil brings moisture, and the vanilla adds depth behind the orange’s starring role.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry mix and gently stir until everything just comes together. Don’t overmix—it’s the secret to a soft and tender crumb! Your batter should be slightly lumpy but fully incorporated, ready for the oven.

Step 5: Bake It to Perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top for even baking. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish (Optional but Recommended!)

If you love a little extra sweetness and shine, whisk together powdered sugar and a bit more orange juice until smooth. Drizzle this simple glaze over the cooled cake for a bakery touch that makes the Easy and Delicious Orange Cake Recipe truly stand out.

How to Serve Easy and Delicious Orange Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance each slice with a flourish of fresh orange zest or delicate orange slices for extra color and zing. A dusting of powdered sugar or scattered edible flowers can turn your Easy and Delicious Orange Cake Recipe into an eye-catching centerpiece.

Side Dishes

Pair this citrusy cake with softly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad—each bite is perfectly complemented by something creamy and cool.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into generous squares and stacking them with layers of orange curd or whipped ricotta for a modern twist. Or, bake the batter in muffin tins for adorable individual servings—ideal for parties or afternoon treats. However you plate it, the Easy and Delicious Orange Cake Recipe always brings smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cake at its very best, store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. A cake dome, airtight container, or even a layer of plastic wrap will seal in the moisture and flavor, so every slice is as good as the first.

Freezing

Want to enjoy the Easy and Delicious Orange Cake Recipe ahead of time? Wrap the completely cooled cake—either whole or in slices—in plastic wrap, then foil. Pop it in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for easy make-ahead magic!

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, just pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The glaze will become a bit luscious and gooey. For a crisper edge, toast a slice gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for several minutes. Enjoy the revival of fresh-baked aroma!

FAQs

Can I make the Easy and Delicious Orange Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. The cake will still be moist and flavorful, perfect for anyone following a gluten-free diet.

What’s the best way to zest an orange?

A fine microplane grater works wonders, removing the fragrant outer skin while leaving the bitter white pith behind. If you don’t have a microplane, a vegetable peeler and a quick chop with a knife will also do the trick.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes! For parties or family gatherings, double every ingredient and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time, as thicker batters may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Are there flavor twists I can try with this Easy and Delicious Orange Cake Recipe?

Definitely. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, a spoonful of almond extract, or even folding in some mini chocolate chips for a decadent touch. This recipe is a perfect canvas for your creative ideas.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is finished when the top is golden, springs back gently to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. Start checking at the 35-minute mark to ensure yours is just right!

Final Thoughts

Warm, aromatic, and positively bursting with citrus charm, the Easy and Delicious Orange Cake Recipe is a treat that’s sure to brighten any day. Give it a try for your next get-together, or just as a cheerful pick-me-up—you might find yourself coming back to it again and again. Happy baking!

Easy and Delicious Orange Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this easy and delightful Orange Cake that is bursting with citrus flavor. This moist and tender cake is perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to dessert after dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons orange zest

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Optional Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons orange juice

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or loaf cake pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix eggs, orange juice, oil, and vanilla extract.
Combine and Bake: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stir until just combined, pour into pan, and bake for 35–40 minutes.
Cool and Glaze: Let the cake cool, then drizzle with optional glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.