Orange Cake is a delightful treat that brings sunshine to any table. This bright, fragrant orange loaf cake features a dense yet tender crumb, infused with the zesty flavors of orange zest, juice, and a hint of liqueur. Topped with a glossy citrus glaze, it’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether enjoyed as a snack or dessert, this cake offers a refreshing citrus burst that will brighten your day!
Why You’ll Love This Orange Cake
This moist orange cake is not just any dessert; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons you’ll love it:
- **Citrus cake** that refreshes your palate with every bite.
- Perfect for any occasion, from brunch to dessert.
- Made with simple ingredients, it’s an easy orange cake recipe.
- Can be adapted for various dietary needs, including vegan orange cake options.
- The best orange cake with cream cheese frosting is a fantastic pairing.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, making it a popular choice for gatherings.
With its American roots and vegetarian-friendly ingredients, this is a cake that everyone can enjoy!
Ingredients for Orange Cake
Gather these items:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons orange zest
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange liqueur
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup orange juice, for soaking
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice (for glaze)
How to Make Orange Cake Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×4-inch loaf pan.
- Step 2: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
- Step 3: Cream the butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest until light and fluffy, about 4–5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in the egg yolk.
- Step 5: Add the buttermilk, orange juice, orange liqueur, and vanilla, mixing until incorporated.
- Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix just until smooth, avoiding overmixing.
- Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and tap gently to release air bubbles.
- Step 8: Bake for 40–45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 9: While the cake is warm, poke holes over the top and slowly drizzle the orange juice over the cake.
- Step 10: Remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 11: Whisk the powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth.
- Step 12: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let set before slicing.
Pro Tips for the Best Orange Cake
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep your orange sponge cake light and airy.
- For a zesty orange cake, use fresh ingredients, especially the orange juice and zest.
- Let the cake cool completely before glazing for a perfect finish.
Best Ways to Serve Orange Cake
Here are a few delightful serving ideas:
- Serve with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing afternoon snack.
- Add a moist citrus cake with orange flavor to your brunch spread for a refreshing twist.
How to Store and Reheat Orange Cake
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for a few seconds, making it taste freshly baked again!
Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Cake
What is orange cake?
Orange cake is a delicious dessert made primarily with orange juice and zest, offering a bright and citrusy flavor. It’s often enjoyed as a refreshing treat.
Can I make orange cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the orange cake a day in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How do I avoid common mistakes with orange cake?
To avoid issues, ensure accurate measurements and don’t overmix the batter. Also, check the oven temperature with a thermometer to avoid under or overbaking.
Variations of Orange Cake You Can Try
Here are some exciting variations:
- Make a gluten-free orange cake using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Try an **orange and almond cake** for a nutty flavor twist.
- For a decadent experience, top your cake with **orange cake with chocolate ganache**.
- Experiment with a **vegan orange cake** by substituting eggs with flaxseed meal and using plant-based milk.
Delicious Orange Cake: A Zesty Citrus Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright, fragrant orange loaf cake with a dense yet tender crumb, infused with orange zest, juice, and liqueur, then soaked and finished with a glossy citrus glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons orange zest
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange liqueur
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup orange juice, for soaking
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×4-inch loaf pan.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
- Cream the butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest until light and fluffy, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in the egg yolk.
- Add the buttermilk, orange juice, orange liqueur, and vanilla, mixing until incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix just until smooth, avoiding overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and tap gently to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is warm, poke holes over the top and slowly drizzle the orange juice over the cake.
- Remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Whisk the powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let set before slicing.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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