orange juice cake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
orange juice cake recipe
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The Best orange juice cake recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite orange juice cake recipe, a classic dessert that’s been a staple in our household for years. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a Tuesday. The combination of orange juice, oil, and spices gives it a unique flavor that’s both familiar and exciting.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. It requires minimal prep time, and the ingredients are probably already stocked in your pantry. My kids can’t get enough of this cake, and I often find myself sneaking an extra slice (or two) when no one’s looking.

The best part? It’s actually relatively healthy compared to other desserts! With less sugar and more oil than traditional recipes, this cake is a guilt-free treat for the whole family.

Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week or store it for later use. I’ve experimented with various flavor combinations over the years, but the original recipe remains my top pick. It’s simple yet impressive – just what I need after a long day of cooking up dinner.

So grab your apron and let’s get baking!

Orange Juice Cake

Orange Juice Cake

4.7 from 1805 votes

A moist and tender cake infused with fresh orange juice and zest. This simple dessert is perfect for any occasion and comes together quickly with basic pantry ingredients.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Glaze

1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray and dust lightly with flour, tapping out the excess.
3In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
5In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6In a small bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and buttermilk.
7Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the orange juice mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
8Mix on low speed just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
9Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
10Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
11While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl until smooth.
12Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a cooling rack.
13While the cake is still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to soak in and run down the sides.
14Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

🔧Equipment

9-inch round cake pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Zester or grater
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 280mg🌾Total Carbs: 49g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 33g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For a deeper orange flavor, add an extra teaspoon of zest to the batter. You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice, letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Watch Video Of How Orange Juice Cake Works

This orange juice cake recipe has been my go-to dessert for years due to its ease of preparation and delicious results every single time – whether serving it warm from the oven or at room temperature later in the day.

Its moist texture holds up perfectly even after several days stored in an airtight container at room temperature – making it ideal for meal prep or as an after-school snack option for my kids.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Juice Cake

Q: What kind of oranges are best for making orange juice cake?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use freshly squeezed juice from navel oranges or blood oranges. Their sweeter flavor complements the spices perfectly.

Q: Can I substitute other types of citrus for the orange juice?

No! Orange juice has a distinct flavor that’s hard to replicate with other citrus fruits. If you try using lemon or lime juice instead, your cake will taste quite different.

Q: Do I need to use high-quality vanilla extract?

Yes! Vanilla is an essential component in this recipe, so choose a high-quality extract for the best flavor results.

Q: Can I make this cake without an electric mixer?

While an electric mixer makes the process much faster and easier, you can still whip up this cake by hand if needed.

Q: Will the cake be too dense if I don’t have buttermilk?

No problem! Simply substitute plain yogurt or milk for buttermilk if you don’t have it on hand.

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