orange juice cake masquerades as a humble loaf, but each forkful transports you to sun-kissed groves where zesty citrus fruits glow. We whisk together freshly squeezed orange juice, zest that sparkles like morning dew, and creamy buttermilk to create a tender crumb that practically melts on your tongue. A hint of vanilla and a whisper of honey round out the flavor, keeping things light and cheerful. Baked to a golden hue, then drizzled with a glossy orange-sugar glaze, this cake is a joyful treat for breakfast, brunch, or a sunny afternoon pick-me-up. Share it with loved ones and savor the citrus celebration.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This orange juice cake
- Bright, zesty flavor that awakens your taste buds.
- Moist and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up anytime.
- Perfect for any occasion, from brunch to dessert.
- Kids and adults alike will adore this sweet treat!
orange juice cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure your cake comes out easily.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will be your dry mixture.
- In a large bowl, beat sugar and eggs together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This adds air and lightness to your cake.
- Stir in orange juice, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest until everything is well combined. The aroma will be heavenly!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. It’s looking good already!
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key!
- Once cooled, slice the cake and serve as desired. Enjoy your delicious orange juice cake!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 38g |
| Sugar | 20g |
Ingredients
Gather these tasty ingredients to create your delicious orange juice cake!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – for the cake structure
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – helps the cake rise
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – balances the acidity
- ¼ teaspoon salt – enhances flavor
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
- 2 large eggs – binds ingredients together
- 1 cup fresh orange juice – adds moistness and flavor
- ½ cup vegetable oil – for tenderness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – brings out sweetness
- Zest of 1 orange – intensifies orange flavor
How to Make orange juice cake
This delightful orange juice cake is a perfect treat for any occasion! With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a cooking time of 25–30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious cake ready to enjoy in no time. Allow for an additional 10 minutes of cooling time before serving.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure your cake comes out easily.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will be your dry mixture.
Step 3: Beat Sugar and Eggs
In a large bowl, beat sugar and eggs together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This adds air and lightness to your cake.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in orange juice, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest until everything is well combined. The aroma will be heavenly!
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 6: Pour Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. It’s looking good already!
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key!
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Once cooled, slice the cake and serve as desired. Enjoy your delicious orange juice cake!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (cooling) |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | Chilled or at room temperature |
Pro Tips for Making Orange Juice Cake
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for vibrant flavor.
- Incorporate orange zest for an extra citrus kick.
- Let the cake cool completely before glazing for a smooth finish.
- Consider adding a pinch of salt to enhance sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep it moist.
How to Serve this orange juice cake
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful treat.
- Pair with fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.
- Drizzle with a simple orange glaze for extra sweetness.
- Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea or a refreshing iced tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing
- Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and type of cake.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cake on a baking sheet.
- Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can you use orange juice in cake?
Absolutely! Orange juice adds a delightful citrus flavor and moisture to the cake, making it incredibly tasty and refreshing. It’s a great way to enhance the overall flavor profile of your cake, especially in recipes like orange juice cake where it’s a key ingredient.
2. Can I use orange juice instead of water in a cake mix?
Yes, you can substitute orange juice for water in a cake mix! This swap will infuse your cake with a lovely orange flavor and a bit of acidity, which can help to balance the sweetness. Just make sure to adjust any other liquid ingredients accordingly to maintain the right consistency.
3. What is the most delicious cake in the world?
While taste is subjective, many people rave about classic cakes like chocolate cake, red velvet, and of course, orange juice cake! Each cake has its own unique flavor and texture, so the “most delicious” cake often depends on personal preference. Orange juice cake is definitely a contender for its bright flavor and moist crumb.
4. What does orange juice do in baking?
Orange juice serves multiple purposes in baking. It adds moisture, enhances flavor, and can even react with baking soda or baking powder to help the cake rise. The acidity in orange juice can also tenderize the cake, resulting in a softer texture. Overall, it’s a fantastic ingredient to elevate your baked goods!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your delightful orange juice cake is ready to brighten up any day! This simple recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a wonderful way to create sweet memories. So, gather your loved ones, slice up that cake, and enjoy every zesty bite. Happy baking!