Easy Orange Cake Recipe 5-Star

Hey there, fellow bakers! Want to know my favorite way to brighten up any day? This amazing Orange Cake Recipe has never failed to bring smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. Trust me, once you smell the fresh oranges and butter mingling in your kitchen, you'll know exactly what I mean!

You know what's really special about this cake? It's like capturing sunshine in your mixing bowl! Every time I make it, the sweet-tart orange flavor and that incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture just makes everyone's eyes light up. Whether you're hosting a fancy afternoon tea or just craving something special with your morning coffee, this cake has got your back.

Why You'll Love This Orange Cake Recipe

Let me tell you about the magic that happens in the oven - those fresh orange zest oils work their charm into every single crumb. No artificial flavors here, friends! Just pure, natural citrus goodness that'll have everyone wandering into your kitchen asking, "What's that amazing smell?"

The texture? Oh my goodness! It's that perfect balance we all dream about - tender enough to melt away but still satisfyingly rich. And when you top it with that glossy orange glaze? Pure heaven! The way it creates that subtle crackle before giving way to the soft cake beneath... it's seriously hard to resist going back for seconds (or thirds - I won't tell!).

Here's what I love most - whether you're baking your first cake or you're a seasoned pro, this recipe is like a friendly kitchen companion. It's reliable, forgiving, and always ready to help you create something special. Before you know it, this will be your go-to recipe, the one everyone asks for at family gatherings and potlucks.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Orange Cake Recipe
• Ingredients
• Orange Cake Recipe Instructions
• Pro Tips for the Perfect orange cake recipe
• Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Variations
• Equipment For Orange Cake Recipe
• Storage Instructions
• Top Tip
• Grandma's Magic Touch:
• FAQ
• HOW DID YOUR ORANGE CAKE RECIPE TURN OUT?
• Related
• Pairing
• Easy Orange Cake Recipe 5-Star

Ingredients

the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest (from about 2-3 oranges)
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

the Orange Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Orange Cake Recipe Instructions

Let's walk through making this delicious orange cake recipe together - I'll guide you every step of the way!

Getting Started

First things first, let's get your oven warming up to 350°F (175°C). While that's happening, grab your bundt pan and give it a good coating of butter and flour. Don't rush this part - those bundt pans have lots of pretty details we want to show off later!

The Secret to Great Flavor

Time to get those oranges ready! Zest them first (it's much easier before juicing), then squeeze out all that fresh juice. Trust me, fresh oranges make all the difference here!

Let's Mix Our Ingredients

For our dry team: Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Simple, right? Set that aside for now - we'll come back to it soon!

Now for the fun part - let's make our batter! In your biggest mixing bowl, we're going to cream the butter and sugar together until it's super fluffy and light - about 3-4 minutes. This is where the magic starts happening! Toss in that fragrant orange zest and watch how the butter mixture becomes beautifully aromatic. Next up, add your eggs one at a time, giving each one a chance to make friends with the butter mixture before adding the next.

Time to Bring It All Together

In a separate bowl, mix up your orange juice, milk, and vanilla - these liquid ingredients are going to make our cake super moist! Now comes the gentle part: we're going to alternate between adding our dry ingredients and wet ingredients to the butter mixture. Think of it like a dance - dry, wet, dry, wet, dry. Mix just until everything comes together - we don't want to overwork our batter!

The Baking Magic

Pour your batter into that well-prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Pop it in the oven for 50-55 minutes. You'll know it's done when your kitchen smells amazing and a toothpick comes out clean! Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes (I know it's tempting to flip it right away, but patience pays off here!).

The Grand Finale - The Glaze!

While your cake is cooling, let's whip up that gorgeous glaze. Mix together your powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, and melted butter until it's silky smooth. Once your cake is completely cool (and I mean completely!), drizzle that glorious glaze all over the top. Watch it cascade down the sides - this is the moment where your cake becomes a showstopper!

Pro Tips for the Perfect orange cake recipe

• Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture
• Don't skip the zest – it contains essential oils that provide intense orange flavor
• Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly – this creates air pockets for a lighter cake
• Avoid opening the oven door while baking to prevent the cake from sinking

Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions

This orange cake recipe is packed with vitamin C from fresh oranges and can be adapted for different dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of whole milk. Serve with:

• Fresh whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream
• Additional orange segments
• A dusting of powdered sugar

Recipe Variations

• Add 1 cup of cranberries for a festive holiday version
• Include chopped nuts for extra texture
• Make it chocolate-orange by adding ¼ cup cocoa powder
• Create a layer cake by baking in two 9-inch round pans

Equipment For Orange Cake Recipe

• 10-inch bundt pan
• Electric mixer (stand mixer preferred, but hand mixer works too)
• Microplane or zester
• Citrus juicer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Store this orange cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. The cake can also be frozen without the glaze for up to 3 months – wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Top Tip

The secret to intense orange flavor is to rub the orange zest into the sugar with your fingers before creaming it with the butter. This releases the essential oils and ensures that amazing orange flavor permeates every bite.

Grandma's Magic Touch:

Looking to recreate that special grandma-style magic in your kitchen? This treasured Orange Cake Recipe is your ticket to baking memories! Just like grandma used to make, our Orange Cake Recipe combines time-honored techniques with simple ingredients to create something truly extraordinary.

What makes this Orange Cake Recipe so special isn't just the perfect balance of sweet citrus and buttery goodness – it's those little tricks passed down through generations. The way you fold in the orange zest to release its oils, the gentle touch when mixing the batter, and that patient wait by the oven until it turns just the right shade of golden – these are the secrets that transform a simple Orange Cake Recipe into a family treasure.

Remember those Sunday afternoons at grandma's house, where the kitchen always smelled like heaven? This Orange Cake Recipe brings back those precious moments. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just craving a taste of nostalgia, this recipe carries that same warmth and love in every bite.

FAQ

HOW DID YOUR ORANGE CAKE RECIPE TURN OUT?

How did your Orange Cake Recipe turn out? Ready to savor something new? This recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of bright citrus flavor and tender, moist crumb, all crowned with a luscious orange-infused cream cheese frosting. If you're a fan of fruit-forward desserts, be sure to try our Better Than Sex Cake Recipe next – another easy-to-make yet delicious treat!

Did you make this Orange Cake Recipe? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments. Did you try any creative twists or use any unique ingredients? Some bakers have had great success adding a hint of cardamom or ginger for warmth, while others love incorporating candied orange peel for extra zest. Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of home cooks. Don't forget to share a photo of your culinary creation!

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Pairing

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