Orange Cake Recipe | Moist Oven Baked American Classic

There is nothing quite like the fresh, zesty flavour of an orange cake. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, the best orange cake is one that is light, fluffy, and bursting with citrus goodness. This recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a cake that is moist, flavorful, and irresistible.

How to Make The Best Orange Cake

The secret to the best orange cake lies in using fresh oranges. Their juice and zest bring out a bright and refreshing taste, making this cake a true crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. To make this recipe, you will need:

Equipment

• A 9″ cake pan
• A hand mixer
• A  cooling rack
• A blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 large oranges, sweet and seedless
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

For the glaze (optional)

• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large orange, juiced

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Butter and flour a 9″ cake pan. Set aside.
3. Sift the flour and baking powder in a bowl. Set aside.
4. Cut one orange into half. Chop one of them (yes, with the rind) into smaller pieces, then add to a blender and blend until almost pureed.
5. Squeeze juice from the other oranges and set aside.
6. In a mixing bowl , beat the butter and sugar using a hand mixer until fluffy. Add in the eggs and continue to mix until light and fluffy.
7. Add the orange juice, rind, sour cream, and the vanilla extract and mix.
8. Add the sifted flour to the butter cream mixture and mix to combine.
9. Transfer to the prepared cake pan and bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
10. Cool for 10 minutes. You can serve as is, dust with icing sugar or glaze as below.

For the glaze

1. Combine the glaze ingredients in a pan and simmer for a few minutes (3-5 minutes) until it thickens into a syrup-ish consistency.
2. Spoon and brush the mixture over the cake. Optional: Using a toothpick, poke all over the cake before brushing the syrup. This enhances the flavour and gives it a beautiful finish.

How To Make The Best Orange Cake

Terrific, moist orange cake that's bursting with orange flavour. This delicious orange cake can be served for breakfast, as a dessert, or as a simple afternoon/bedtime snack with a cup of tea. It is also perfect for any occasion and is for sure a crowd-pleasing dessert. The cake is even better served the next day. Bring it to your next potluck and thank me later 🙂

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Course Baking

Cuisine American, Continental

Servings 10

Calories 464 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Measuring Spoons
• 1 9" baking pan
• 1 Measuring Cups
• 1 spatula
• parchment paper
• 1 handmixer
• 1 Blender
• mixing bowls

Ingredients

  

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• 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• 2 large oranges sweet, seedless
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze (optional)

• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large orange juiced

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
• Butter and flour a 9" cake pan. Set aside
• Sift the flour and baking powder in a bowl. Set aside
• Cut one orange into half. Chop one of them, (yes, with the rind) into smaller pieces then add to a blender and blend until almost pureed. 
• Squeeze juice from the other oranges and set aside
• In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar using a hand mixer until fluffy. Add in the eggs and continue to mix until light and fluffy
• Add the orange juice, rind, sour cream, and the vanilla extract and mix
• Add the sifted flour to the butter-cream mixture and mix to combine
• Transfer the prepared cake pan and bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted
• Cool for 10 minutes. You can serve as is, dust with icing sugar or glaze as below

For the Glaze (optional)

• Combine the glaze ingredients in a pan and simmer for a few minutes (3-5 minutes) until it thickens into a syrup-ish consistency 
• Spoon and brush the mixture over the cake. Optional: Using a toothpick, poke all over the cake before brushing the syrup. This enhances the flavour and gives it a beautiful finish.

Video

Notes

Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe

Nutrition

Calories: 464kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 5gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 328mgPotassium: 172mgFiber: 2gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 1011IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 116mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Breakfast, Orange Cake, Orange Cake Recipe, Oranges

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Easy Moist and Simple Orange Cake Recipe

If you are looking for an easy, moist, and simple orange cake recipe, this one is just what you need. The combination of fresh orange juice and zest ensures the cake stays soft and fragrant, while the addition of sour cream or yogurt enhances its moisture.

To keep the cake extra soft, ensure you use room temperature ingredients. This helps everything blend seamlessly, creating a smooth batter. Adding a little bit of oil along with butter can also enhance the cake’s moisture, preventing it from drying out.

For extra flavour, consider incorporating a touch of cinnamon to complement the orange taste. If you love a richer cake, try substituting half of the flour with almond flour, which adds a slightly nutty flavour and a tender texture.

This cake is versatile, you can enjoy it plain, serve it with a glaze, or pair it with whipped cream and fresh berries. No matter how you serve it, this easy orange cake will always be a hit.

Notes

• While baking, this cake will fill up your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Kudos to you if you can let it cool down completely.
• Please note that this gets even better the next day, so you can make it a day or two ahead.
• This orange cake can stay on the counter for 2 days or 5 days in the fridge if you are lucky to have it for that long. You can use Saran Wrap to cover it or a Ziplock
• It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure you seal it well in a ziplock bag before freezing
• If you prefer without the glaze, simply dust a tsp of powdered sugar into the cake and serve. You can also just serve as is. You won’t miss a thing.

If you are a fan of citrus flavours, this cake is a must try. It is perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a delightful dessert. Give this recipe a go and enjoy the sweet, tangy goodness of homemade orange cake. Don’t forget to share your baking success and let us know how it turned out!

Also, try our other recipes:

• Fluffy Moist Banana Bread 
• The Best Moist Lemon Cake Recipe
• Delicious Pineapple Coconut Cake Recipe
• Delicious Strawberry Cake
• Moist and Easy Carrot Cake
• Easy Vanilla Cupcake Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is my orange cake dry instead of moist?

A dry orange cake is usually caused by overbaking or adding too much flour. Measure the flour accurately, avoid overmixing the batter, and remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick embedded into the middle comes out clean, with a few moist crumbs.

2. Can I make orange cake without sour cream?

Yes. You can replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or plain yogurt in equal amounts. Both alternatives help keep the cake soft, tender, and moist while maintaining a delicious texture.

3. Can I freeze homemade orange cake?

Absolutely. Allow the cake to cool thoroughly, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

4. What type of oranges are best for orange cake?

Sweet, juicy oranges such as Navel or Valencia oranges are the best choice. They provide plenty of fresh juice and fragrant zest, giving the cake a naturally bright citrus flavor without excessive bitterness.

5. How can I make my orange cake taste even more flavorful?

For the richest orange flavor, use both freshly squeezed orange juice and finely grated orange zest. You can also apply a basic glaze to the warm cake, or drizzle it with a fresh orange glaze after it has cooled, for an extra burst of citrus.