There’s 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’s 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
- A spatula
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Easy Moist and Simple Orange Cake Recipe
If you’re 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 to 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 a saran wrap to cover or a ziplock)
- It can also be frozen for unto 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’re a fan of citrus flavours, this cake is a must-try. It’s 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
- 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
How To Make The Best Orange Cake
Equipment
Ingredients
- 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.


















