Brighten up your day with this vibrant Orange Cake recipe , infused with freshly squeezed orange juice and aromatic orange zest for a burst of citrusy flavor. This moist and tender cake is topped with a luscious orange glaze, making every bite sweet, tangy, and irresistibly fresh. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, this simple yet flavorful recipe is sure to impress.
Jump to RecipeWhat’s the Secret to the Perfect Orange Cake ?
The secret to the perfect orange cake is using fresh orange juice and zest for bold citrus flavor and baking with care to keep it moist and fluffy.
Why This Orange Cake Stands Out:
This cake is a perfect blend of flavors, with the sweet and tangy notes of orange throughout. The combination of orange juice and zest in both the cake and the glaze creates a well-rounded citrus experience, while the oil ensures a moist, tender crumb. The glaze adds a glossy, sugary finish that complements the cake’s texture and makes it even more irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this orange cake is sure to impress with its bright, refreshing flavor and soft, velvety texture.
Recipe Summary
This moist and flavorful orange cake is bursting with citrusy goodness, thanks to fresh orange zest and juice infused into both the batter and glaze. The cake bakes to a golden perfection with a soft, tender crumb, while the warm orange glaze seeps into every bite, making it irresistibly rich and moist. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and zesty freshness.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, and citrusy with a bright orange aroma.
Cooking Techniques: Whisking ensures a light and fluffy batter, while baking at a moderate temperature creates a tender crumb.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Orange Cake Ingredients
All-purpose Flour (sifted): Flour is the foundation of any cake, giving it structure. Sifting the flour ensures that it is light and free of lumps, resulting in a smoother batter and a finer texture in the cake.
Sugar: Sugar not only sweetens the cake but also helps with moisture retention and provides a golden color during baking. It also enhances the overall flavor, balancing the acidity of the orange juice.
Eggs: Eggs act as binders, helping hold the cake together while also contributing to its structure. The proteins in eggs help trap air, making the cake light and fluffy. They also provide richness and flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Oil adds moisture and richness to the cake, making it soft and tender. Unlike butter, oil helps keep the cake moist for a longer period, which is great for cake longevity.
Orange Juice: Orange juice is the key ingredient for flavor, infusing the cake with a refreshing citrus taste. It also adds moisture to the batter and gives the cake a tangy sweetness that complements the sugar.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla is a subtle flavor enhancer that deepens the overall taste of the cake. It works well with citrus flavors, rounding out the cake’s flavor profile without overpowering the orange essence.
Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the cake rise. It releases gas bubbles when heated, making the cake light and fluffy. It’s essential for achieving the soft texture typical of a cake.
Orange Zest: Orange zest is a concentrated burst of citrus flavor. Unlike the juice, which provides moisture and tang, the zest adds a more intense, aromatic note that enhances the cake’s overall orange flavor.
Orange Glaze Ingredients:
Orange Juice: The orange juice in the glaze continues the citrusy theme, providing a fresh, tangy sweetness that complements the cake’s flavor. It also serves as the liquid base for the glaze, ensuring it has a smooth consistency.
Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is perfect for glazing because it dissolves quickly and creates a smooth, glossy finish. It gives the glaze a sweet, velvety texture without being gritty or too heavy.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the glaze, ensuring it sets to the right consistency. It prevents the glaze from being too runny, giving it a perfect, pourable texture that coats the cake beautifully.
Orange Zest (optional): Just like in the cake, orange zest in the glaze adds an extra layer of citrus aroma and flavor. It’s optional, but it can elevate the glaze, giving it a more intense orange punch that ties the whole cake together.
Instructions for The Orange Cake Recipe :
Step One: Prepare the Cake Batter
Whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and orange zest in a large bowl until the mixture is fluffy and well combined. Add the vegetable oil and orange juice, then continue mixing until the batter is smooth. Gradually add the baking powder and sifted flour, whisking until everything is fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cake.
Step Two: Prepare the Baking Tray
Brush a baking tray with oil to prevent sticking. Then, sprinkle a thin layer of flour over the tray using a small strainer. This ensures even coverage without adding excess flour, which helps the cake release easily once baked.
Step Three: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the tray.
Step Four: Prepare the Orange Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and orange zest. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the glaze too thick.
Step Five: Assemble and Serve
Flip the cooled cake onto a serving plate. While the glaze is still warm, pour it evenly over the top of the cake. Let the glaze seep into the cake for extra moisture and flavor. Serve and enjoy this moist and citrusy orange cake!
Enhance the Citrus Flavor
Incorporating orange zest into the glaze will add a strong citrus flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can omit the zest. For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed orange juice and a fine grater for the zest.
Pro Tip for a Moist Cake
For an extra moist and delicious cake, pour the glaze over the cake while it’s still hot. The cake will absorb some of the glaze, resulting in a richer flavor and a beautifully moist texture.
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Here are the three frequently asked questions (FAQs) with answers for your Orange Cake Recipe with Orange Glaze:
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of freshly squeezed juice for this orange cake recipe?
While freshly squeezed orange juice gives the cake a more vibrant, natural flavor, bottled juice can be used in a pinch. However, the flavor may be slightly less fresh and tangy.
How do I store leftover orange cake with orange glaze to keep it fresh?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Be sure to cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
Can I substitute the orange zest in the glaze for something else if I don’t have any?
Yes, if you don’t have orange zest, you can substitute it with lemon zest for a different citrus twist. Alternatively, you can skip the zest altogether, though it will reduce the citrusy flavor in the glaze.
More delicious easy desserts recipe :
Orange Cake
Ingredients
Cake Mix :
- 2 1/2 cups Flour sifted cups flour
- 1 1/2 cups Sugar
- 3 Eggs
- 1 cup Vegetable oil
- 1 cup Orange juice
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tbsp Orange zest
Orange Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups Orange juice
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 1/2 tbsp Corn starch
- 1 tsp Orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla, and orange zest until all combined and fluffy.
- Add vegetable oil and orange juice, then mix until smooth.
- Add baking powder and sifted flour, then mix with a whisk until fully combined, but be careful not to overmix.
- Brush a baking tray with oil, then sprinkle a thin layer of flour using a small strainer. This ensures even coverage without adding too much flour, which will help prevent the cake from sticking.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing orange juice, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and orange zest. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to overcook
- Flip the cooled cake onto a serving plate, then pour the glaze on top while it’s still warm. Let the glaze seep into the cake to make it extra moist and flavorful.