Orange Cake Recipe

This orange cake recipe is soft, moist, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor in every bite. Made completely from scratch and without a mixer, it's the kind of cake that feels effortless yet tastes bakery-worthy. Thanks to real orange zest, fresh orange juice, and a sweet orange glaze, this cake delivers bold flavor with a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth.

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Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat, this homemade orange cake is a must-have recipe for citrus lovers.

Why This Orange Cake Recipe Works

• No mixer required - just bowls and a whisk
• Extremely moist texture from oil and fresh juice
• Strong orange flavor using zest + juice
• Simple ingredients you likely already have
• Works as a snack cake, breakfast loaf, or dessert

If you're searching for a reliable, foolproof orange cake recipe, this one checks every box.

Ingredients You'll Need

Ingredient amounts are provided in the recipe card below.

For the Orange Cake

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Fresh orange zest (key for flavor)
• Vegetable oil
• Fresh orange juice
• Eggs (room temperature)
• Vanilla extract

For the Orange Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Orange zest
• Fresh orange juice

How to Make Orange Cake (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter or spray an 8×4-inch loaf pan.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Infuse the Sugar with Orange Zest

In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and orange zest. Rub them together with your fingers until the sugar turns pale orange and fragrant.

👉 This step releases the natural oils from the zest and is essential for the best orange flavor.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients

Whisk the oil, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla into the sugar mixture until smooth.

5. Combine and Bake

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk just until combined. Do not overmix.

Transfer the batter to the loaf pan and bake for about 70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

6. Glaze the Cake

Once fully cooled, whisk together powdered sugar, orange zest, and juice. Drizzle over the cake and let set for 30 minutes.

Pro Tips for the Best Orange Cake Recipe

• Don't skip the zest - it provides more flavor than juice alone
• Measure flour correctly to avoid a dense cake
• Room-temperature eggs mix more evenly
• Avoid overmixing to keep the crumb tender
• Roll oranges on the counter before juicing to extract more juice

These small techniques make a noticeable difference in texture and flavor.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Refrigerate after day 3 for best freshness
• Freeze unglazed cake for up to 3 months
• Individual slices can be frozen and thawed as needed

This makes the orange cake recipe perfect for meal prep or gifting.

Frequently Asked Questions

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