If you love bright, citrusy desserts, this orange cake recipe is a must-try. Made with real orange juice and zest, it’s soft, moist, and bursting with fresh flavor. This cake is popular across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada because it uses simple ingredients and works beautifully as a snack cake, tea cake, or light dessert.
Best of all, you don’t need fancy equipment—just a bowl, a whisk, and an oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
¾ cup fresh orange juice
Zest of 1–2 oranges
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Orange Cake (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Baking powder
Salt
Set aside.
Step 3: Beat Eggs and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and slightly fluffy. This step helps create a soft, tender cake.
Step 4: Add Orange Flavor
Mix in:
Vegetable oil
Fresh orange juice
Orange zest
Vanilla extract
Stir until smooth and fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 6: Bake
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Enjoy plain, or dress it up with glaze or powdered sugar.
Optional Orange Glaze (Highly Recommended!)
Mix:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Drizzle over the cooled cake for extra sweetness and shine.
Practical Tips for the Best Orange Cake
Use fresh orange juice, not bottled, for the best flavor
Don’t skip the zest—it adds intense citrus aroma
Measure flour correctly (spoon and level)
Let the cake cool before glazing
Store covered to keep it moist
Orange Cake Variations
Orange Yogurt Cake
Replace ½ cup oil with plain yogurt for a lighter texture.
Orange Almond Cake
Replace ½ cup flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor.
Chocolate Orange Cake
Add chocolate chips or drizzle with melted dark chocolate.
Storage Tips
Room temperature: up to 2 days, covered
Refrigerator: 4–5 days
Freezer: wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
Conclusion
This orange cake recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. Moist, soft, and full of natural citrus goodness, it’s the perfect cake for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert.
Once you try it, this orange cake will quickly become one of your go-to recipes—easy, reliable, and always delicious.