There’s something about making an orange cake that feels like magic and sometimes a little chaotic too because I never measure perfectly and I might spill orange juice on the counter but somehow it always works out and tastes amazing and this orange cake recipe is the kind I come back to when I need a treat for my family or a quick dessert for unexpected guests.

The first time I made this orange cake recipe I tried to zest the orange super fast and ended up with a little bit of pith in the batter which was annoying and I was worried it would taste bitter but instead it added a tiny tang and it actually made the cake taste more interesting and since then I’ve learned to just embrace the little mistakes because they make me laugh and make baking feel real and fun.

Sometimes I feel like my kitchen is a mess while making this orange cake recipe because flour ends up on the floor and butter sticks to the sides of the bowl but I don’t mind because the smell of fresh orange and warm cake filling the house makes everything worth it and honestly I think this orange cake recipe has saved me more times than I can count when I wanted something simple and cheerful to eat and share.

I remember one afternoon I was running late and almost forgot to preheat the oven for this orange cake recipe which was stressful and I was tempted to skip steps but I took a deep breath and did it anyway and it turned out golden and soft just like I hoped and my kids came running when they smelled it and I realized even with little mistakes this orange cake recipe always brings smiles and comfort.

This orange cake recipe is also my go-to when I want to feel fancy but stay lazy because I can mix everything in one bowl and pour it straight into the pan and it doesn’t need anything complicated and sometimes I forget to level the batter evenly or I overmix a little but in the end it’s still moist and flavorful and it reminds me that baking is forgiving and fun.

If you want to try something fun with this orange cake recipe I’ve served it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and it’s dreamy and I’ve paired it with fresh berries and it feels light and summery and another time I added a drizzle of chocolate sauce and it felt decadent and I tried it with a cup of tea and it was comforting and I’ve shared it with friends alongside Coconut Cream Pie Bars which paired perfectly and everyone loved it and sometimes I crumble it over yogurt for a quick breakfast and one time I even used it as a base for a fruit trifle and honestly every combination is delicious and makes the orange cake taste even better.

Honestly this orange cake recipe isn’t just about the dessert it’s about memories and tiny kitchen disasters and little victories and the way the house smells like citrus happiness and the smiles when everyone takes the first bite and I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything because even with imperfections this cake feels like love in every slice.

ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter
3 large eggs
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

ingredients notes

All-purpose flour is the soft white powder used to make the cake light and fluffy
Granulated sugar makes the cake sweet and helps it brown nicely while baking
Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor without extra salt
Eggs help the cake hold together and make it soft and spongy
Fresh orange juice gives the cake a natural fruity flavor and a little moisture
Orange zest adds extra orange aroma and makes the taste more vibrant
Baking powder helps the cake rise and become fluffy
Baking soda works with the yogurt to make the cake soft and airy
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavors
Plain yogurt adds moisture and a little tang for extra softness
Vanilla extract gives a sweet, warm flavor that blends with the orange taste

How to make orange cake recipe ?

step 1: prepare your oven and pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F which is about 175°C and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter then lightly dust it with flour so the cake does not stick.

step 2: mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl combine the all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt then stir them together gently so they are evenly mixed.

step 3: cream butter and sugar

In a large bowl beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.

step 4: add eggs

Add the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture beating after each addition so everything blends well and the mixture becomes smooth.

step 5: add vanilla and orange zest

Pour in the vanilla extract and sprinkle the orange zest then gently mix them in so the batter smells fresh and fragrant.

step 6: combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture alternating with plain yogurt which helps the batter stay smooth and moist.

step 7: add orange juice

Slowly pour in the fresh orange juice while stirring the batter gently so everything combines into a slightly runny but smooth consistency.

step 8: pour into pan

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan then smooth the top with a spatula making sure it is evenly spread.

step 9: bake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

step 10: cool

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely which makes slicing easier and prevents breaking.

step 11: serve

Once completely cooled you can slice the cake and serve it as is or dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness and a pretty finish.

kitchen equipment needed

9-inch round cake pan
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Electric mixer or hand whisk
Spatula
Toothpick or cake tester
Wire rack

storage options

You can store this orange cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days which keeps it moist and soft and if you want it to last longer you can refrigerate it for up to a week and bring it back to room temperature before serving another option is freezing the cake after it is completely cooled wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil which preserves the flavor for up to three months and simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

some variations for the orange cake

You can try adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the batter which gives a crunchy texture and complements the orange flavor another variation is drizzling a simple orange glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice on top which adds extra sweetness and moisture. For chocolate lovers adding a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to half the batter creates a marble effect which makes it fun and visually interesting you can also add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a chewy surprise in every bite using sparkling water instead of orange juice can make the cake lighter and fluffier while keeping the orange flavor Finally topping the cake with cream cheese frosting creates a rich dessert perfect for celebrations and holidays.

faq

what is this recipe orange cake made of?

This orange cake is made of basic ingredients like all purpose flour, sugar butter, eggs, yogurt, and most importantly fresh orange juice and zest which give it the fruity flavor.

what does orange cake taste like?

It tastes sweet with a natural tangy flavor from the oranges while being soft and moist and slightly rich from the butter and yogurt.

can i use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Yes you can but fresh orange juice gives a brighter flavor and natural aroma making the cake taste fresher and more vibrant.

is this orange cake suitable for kids?

Yes the cake is soft, sweet, and easy to eat making it perfect for children as a snack or dessert.

can i make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all purpose flour with a gluten free flour blend and the texture may be slightly different but it will still taste delicious.

how long does it stay fresh?

At room temperature it stays fresh for up to three days or up to a week if refrigerated and longer if frozen.

can i add frosting to the cake?

Yes adding frosting like cream cheese or a simple orange glaze makes the cake richer and more visually appealing.

can this cake be made into cupcakes?

Absolutely pour the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 20 to 25 minutes for individual servings which is perfect for parties or gifts.

orange cake recipe

Recipe by LaylaCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

280

kcal

Total time

minutes

A soft and moist orange cake with fresh orange juice and zest that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter
3 large eggs
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F which is about 175°C and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter then lightly dust it with flour so the cake does not stick.
In a medium bowl combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt then stir them together gently so they are evenly mixed.
In a large bowl beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture beating after each addition so everything blends well and the mixture becomes smooth.
Pour in the vanilla extract and sprinkle the orange zest then gently mix them in so the batter smells fresh and fragrant.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture alternating with plain yogurt which helps the batter stay smooth and moist.
Slowly pour in the fresh orange juice while stirring the batter gently so everything combines into a slightly runny but smooth consistency.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan then smooth the top with a spatula making sure it is evenly spread.
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely which makes slicing easier and prevents breaking.
Once completely cooled you can slice the cake and serve it as is or dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness and a pretty finish.

The Best Orange Cake Recipe

ingredients

ingredients notes