When it comes to cakes, oranges are a game-changer. The bright, citrusy flavor and moist texture they bring to any dessert make them a perfect addition to your next baking project. Whether you’re looking for a classic pound cake or something more creative like a blood orange olive oil cake, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll dive into 20 delicious orange cake recipes that are sure to impress at any gathering, from birthdays to holidays and everything in between.
From bundt cakes to layer cakes, and even vegan and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone on our list. And the best part? Each recipe is carefully crafted to highlight the star of the show: the orange. So go ahead, get baking, and let the sweet aroma of freshly baked orange cake fill your kitchen with joy.
Classic Orange Pound Cake
Classic Orange Pound Cake: A moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups (210g) granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 3/4 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by orange zest and juice.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Orange Chiffon Cake with Citrus Glaze
This citrus-infused cake is a perfect springtime treat, featuring a light and fluffy chiffon cake soaked in the sweetness of orange zest and juice. The tangy citrus glaze adds a burst of flavor to each bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 10-inch (25cm) tube pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold orange juice, zest, and oil into the dry ingredients, then gently fold in the egg whites.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until cake is golden brown and springs back when touched.
7. Allow to cool before drizzling with Citrus Glaze (recipe below).
Citrus Glaze:
– 1 cup (200g) powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
Whisk together until smooth, then drizzle over cooled cake.
Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake
Elevate your baking game with this moist and flavorful cake, infused with the vibrant flavors of blood oranges and a hint of olive oil. This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated blood orange zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed blood orange juice
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, eggs, blood orange zest, and juice.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Orange Creamsicle Bundt Cake
Brighten up your day with this moist and flavorful bundt cake, infused with the sweet and tangy essence of orange creamsicles. Perfect for a springtime dessert or brunch gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons orange extract
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– Orange zest and slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 12-cup bundt pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, and orange extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Pour in heavy cream and confectioners’ sugar; mix until smooth.
6. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool before glazing with additional confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Vegan Orange Almond Cake
Brighten up your day with this moist and flavorful vegan orange almond cake, perfect for a special occasion or just a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup canola oil
– 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together almond milk, oil, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in sliced almonds.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Poppy Seed Cake
Brighten up your day with this moist and flavorful orange poppy seed cake, infused with the warmth of citrus and the subtle crunch of poppy seeds.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in poppy seeds.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spiced Orange and Honey Cake
This moist and aromatic cake is perfect for any occasion. The combination of orange zest, warm spices, and drizzled honey creates a delightful flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tsp grated orange zest
– 1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in orange juice and zest.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and drizzle with honey.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Orange Yogurt Cake with Cardamom
This moist and aromatic cake combines the brightness of orange zest and juice with the warm, spicy flavor of cardamom. Perfect for brunch or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, yogurt, eggs, orange juice, and zest.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in cardamom.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Flourless Orange Almond Cake
This recipe combines the sweetness of orange with the nutty flavor of almonds, resulting in a rich and satisfying cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) blanched almonds
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, grind the almonds into a fine meal.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and orange juice until well combined.
4. Add the melted butter, grated zest, and ground almonds to the egg mixture. Whisk until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Orange and Dark Chocolate Marble Cake
This moist and decadent cake is infused with the warmth of orange zest and the depth of dark chocolate, creating a stunning marble effect. Perfect for special occasions or as a treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons orange zest
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, eggs, and butter until smooth.
3. Stir in orange zest, dark chocolate chips, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Top with remaining batter, creating a marbled effect.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Orange Ricotta Cake with Pistachios
This moist and flavorful cake is infused with the brightness of orange zest and the richness of ricotta cheese, topped with a crunchy pistachio streusel.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine butter, eggs, ricotta cheese, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in pistachios.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cake cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (optional).
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Orange Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Brighten up your day with this moist and flavorful orange carrot cake, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. The perfect blend of sweet and savory, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
4. Beat in eggs, carrots, orange juice, and walnuts (if using).
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, beating until combined.
Orange Blossom Honey Cake
This moist and fragrant cake is infused with the sweet essence of orange blossom honey, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Perfect for a warm spring evening or a brunch gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons orange blossom honey
– 1 cup whole milk
– Fresh orange zest (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, orange blossom honey, and milk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Orange Upside-Down Cake with Caramelized Oranges
This classic dessert features tender cake infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of orange, topped with a layer of caramelized oranges that add a depth of flavor and visual appeal. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 large oranges, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup (170g) granulated sugar
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large skillet, caramelize the orange slices over medium heat for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In another bowl, combine butter, sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and arrange caramelized oranges on top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before flipping onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Orange and Coconut Tres Leches Cake
Moist and flavorful, this Orange and Coconut Tres Leches Cake combines the brightness of citrus with the creaminess of coconut and the sweetness of tres leches.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream, whole milk, and sweetened condensed milk (divided)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Orange zest and chopped pecans for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add shredded coconut, orange juice, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract; whisk until combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
7. Poke holes all over the cake with a skewer or fork.
8. Divide tres leches mixture (heavy cream, whole milk, and sweetened condensed milk) among the holes.
9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Gingerbread Cake with Molasses
This moist and aromatic cake combines the brightness of orange zest with the warmth of ginger and molasses, perfect for a cozy evening treat. The addition of crystallized ginger adds a delightful burst of flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons molasses
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add orange juice, zest, and chopped crystallized ginger. Mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in molasses.
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Orange Sour Cream Coffee Cake
This moist and flavorful coffee cake combines the brightness of orange zest with the tanginess of sour cream, perfect for a delightful breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, butter, sour cream, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with additional orange zest if desired.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Orange Meringue Cake with Whipped Cream
This classic dessert combines the sweetness of orange cake with the fluffiness of meringue and a dollop of whipped cream. Perfect for special occasions or everyday treats, this recipe is sure to bring a smile!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 cup meringue topping (see below)
– Whipped cream, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together softened butter, eggs, orange zest, and orange juice.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; whisk until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared pans; bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Let cakes cool; split in half horizontally.
7. Spread meringue topping over cake layers; place under broiler for 1-2 minutes or until golden.
8. Top with whipped cream and serve.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Orange and Cranberry Loaf Cake
Brighten up your winter days with this delightful loaf cake, infused with the warmth of orange zest and the tartness of cranberries. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
• 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, eggs, cranberries, orange juice, and orange zest. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve: Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Perfect for a snack or as a gift.
Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
Experience the perfect blend of citrusy sweetness and creamy richness with this delightful cake recipe. Moist and velvety orange cake is paired with a tangy and sweet cream cheese frosting, creating a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. Add softened butter and mix until combined.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by orange juice and vanilla extract.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting.
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes (including cake preparation time)
Summary
Indulge in the sweetness of oranges with these 20 delectable orange cake recipes, perfect for any occasion. From classic pound cakes to innovative bundt cakes and marble cakes, this collection offers something for everyone. Discover the secrets to making moist and flavorful orange cakes using a variety of techniques, from traditional baking methods to vegan and gluten-free options. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert or a show-stopping centerpiece, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
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