If you love bright citrus flavor and soft, bakery-style cake—but hate complicated baking—this one’s for you. This easy orange cake recipe comes together in minutes with simple ingredients, no fancy techniques, and delivers a moist, fragrant cake every single time. Perfect for home bakers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, this recipe works for everyday treats or special occasions. 🍊🍰
Why This Orange Cake Is a Favorite
One-bowl recipe (less cleanup!)
Fresh orange flavor from juice and zest
No mixer required
Soft, fluffy, and incredibly moist
Easy to customize with glaze or icing
Truly, you won’t believe how easy this orange cake recipe is until you try it.
Ingredients (Simple & Everyday)
For the cake:
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs (room temperature)
1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
3/4 cup (180 ml) fresh orange juice
Zest of 1–2 oranges
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional orange glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Step-by-Step: The Easiest Orange Cake Ever
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Grease a round or loaf pan and lightly flour it
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Eggs
Sugar
Oil (or melted butter)
Orange juice
Orange zest
Vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth and slightly pale.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt
Gently mix until just combined
👉 Don’t overmix—this keeps the cake light and fluffy.
Step 4: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean
Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point.
Step 5: Cool & Glaze (Optional)
Let cake cool for 10 minutes
Mix powdered sugar with orange juice
Drizzle over warm cake for extra citrus goodness
Pro Tips for the Best Orange Cake
Use fresh oranges (bottled juice won’t give the same flavor)
Zest before juicing—it’s easier
If your oranges are small, use two
For extra moisture, replace 1/4 cup oil with yogurt
These small tweaks make a big difference.
Easy Variations You’ll Love
🍊 Orange Yogurt Cake
Replace 1/2 cup oil with Greek or plain yogurt for a lighter texture.
🍊 Orange Almond Cake
Replace 1/4 cup flour with almond flour for a nutty twist.
🍊 Orange Chocolate Cake
Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips—orange and chocolate are a perfect match.
How to Store Orange Cake
Room temperature: Up to 2 days (covered)
Refrigerator: 4–5 days
Freezer: Up to 2 months (wrap tightly)
The cake stays moist even after chilling.
Why Everyone Loves This Orange Cake Recipe
Because it’s:
Foolproof
Quick
Budget-friendly
Packed with real orange flavor
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, you truly won’t believe how easy this orange cake recipe is—and how delicious the results are.
Final Thoughts
This orange cake proves that homemade baking doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a bowl, a whisk, and fresh oranges, you’ll have a soft, fragrant cake that tastes like sunshine. Perfect for tea time, dessert, or a simple sweet treat any day of the week.