Oranges are often thought of as a summer fruit, but their sweet and tangy flavor can brighten up any time of year. And what better way to enjoy that citrusy goodness than in a delicious orange cake? From classic pound cakes to creative twists with spices and nuts, there’s an orange cake recipe out there for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth or a show-stopping centerpiece for your next dinner party, we’ve got 18 decadent orange cake recipes that are sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll be diving into the world of orange cakes and exploring all the different ways you can use this versatile fruit. From classic recipes like Orange Pound Cake and Orange Chiffon Cake with Citrus Glaze, to more unique creations like Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake and Orange Poppy Seed Cake, there’s something for every taste and occasion.
Classic Orange Pound Cake
Classic Orange Pound Cake Recipe
Summary:
This moist and flavorful pound cake is infused with the brightness of orange zest and juice, making it a perfect treat 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 1/4 cups (280g) 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 the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in orange zest and juice.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to wet ingredients and 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.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Orange Chiffon Cake with Citrus Glaze
A light and airy orange chiffon cake infused with the brightness of citrus, topped with a tangy glaze that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice, freshly squeezed
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the glaze:
– 1 cup (200g) powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) tube pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk egg whites until frothy. Add orange juice, salt, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; whisk until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool before glazing with powdered sugar mixture.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the brightness of blood oranges with the richness of olive oil, perfect for a brunch or afternoon treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated blood orange zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed blood orange juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, eggs, blood orange zest, juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Orange Creamsicle Bundt Cake
Orange Creamsicle Bundt Cake Recipe
Get ready to transport your taste buds to a sunny day with this moist and flavorful Orange Creamsicle Bundt Cake. The combination of orange zest, juice, and creamsicle-inspired cream cheese frosting is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, orange zest, and orange juice. Beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
– 2 cups (400g) powdered sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frost the cooled cake with frosting and decorate as desired. Enjoy!
Vegan Orange Almond Cake
Elevate your baking game with this vegan orange almond cake, featuring the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional cakes, using plant-based ingredients to create a moist and fluffy dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup canola oil
– 2 large egg replacers (e.g. flax or chia seeds)
– 2 teaspoons orange zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, combine almond milk, oil, egg replacers, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in sliced almonds.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Poppy Seed Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for springtime celebrations or a sunny brunch. The combination of orange zest, juice, and poppy seeds creates a delightful and refreshing dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, egg, orange juice, and orange zest. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in poppy seeds.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Orange Yogurt Cake with Honey Drizzle
Brighten up your day with this moist and flavorful orange yogurt cake, topped with a sweet honey drizzle.
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
– 1 cup orange yogurt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Honey, for drizzling (optional)
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, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, orange yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; whisk until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool before drizzling with honey, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Gluten-Free Orange Polenta Cake
A moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. This gluten-free orange polenta cake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, with the added benefits of being easily digestible for those with gluten intolerance.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup polenta
– 1/2 cup almond flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together polenta, almond flour, and sugar.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Orange Cardamom Coffee Cake
This coffee cake combines the warmth of cardamom with the brightness of orange, creating a unique and delicious breakfast or snack option. The cardamom adds a subtle Indian-inspired flavor, while the orange zest provides a burst of citrusy freshness.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg.
4. Add orange juice, orange zest, and cardamom to the wet ingredients; mix until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow coffee cake to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Orange Marmalade Upside-Down Cake
This classic dessert gets a citrusy twist with the addition of orange marmalade, creating a moist and flavorful cake topped with caramelized oranges.
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 large egg
– 1/2 cup orange marmalade
– 1/2 cup sliced oranges (about 2-3)
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
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, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, egg, and orange marmalade. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk until just combined.
5. Arrange sliced oranges on the prepared pan, leaving a 1-inch (2.5cm) border around edges.
6. Pour batter over oranges and smooth top.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before flipping onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Spiced Orange Carrot Cake
Warm up to a delightful treat with this moist and flavorful Spiced Orange Carrot Cake, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
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, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened butter and eggs. Add grated carrots and orange juice; mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts, if using.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Orange Ricotta Cheesecake
This creamy cheesecake combines the brightness of orange zest with the richness of ricotta, perfect for a warm-weather dessert or brunch gathering. A delicate crust and subtle sweetness balance out the bold flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz ricotta cheese
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, separated
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup orange zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Mix crust ingredients and press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. In a bowl, combine ricotta, sugar, egg yolks, orange juice, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into ricotta mixture.
5. Pour in cheesecake batter and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Orange Blossom Honey Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is infused with the warm, floral notes of orange blossom honey, perfect for a special occasion or everyday indulgence.
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
– 2 tablespoons orange blossom honey
– 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and eggs until smooth. Add honey and milk; mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chocolate Orange Marble Cake
Moist and decadent, this chocolate orange marble cake is a delightful twist on the classic chocolate cake.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, orange juice, and orange zest.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval. Allow to cool slightly.
6. Pour half of the batter into each prepared pan, followed by half of the melted chocolate.
7. Repeat layers, ending with batter on top.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Orange Coconut Tres Leches Cake
This tropical twist on the classic tres leches cake combines the sweetness of orange and coconut with the richness of three types of milk. The result is a moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, whole milk, heavy cream, orange juice, and shredded coconut.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
5. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Gingerbread Cake
Orange Gingerbread Cake: A moist and flavorful cake infused with the warmth of ginger and the brightness of orange zest.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and ginger. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add orange juice and zest; mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Orange Pistachio Semolina Cake
A vibrant and aromatic cake filled with the warmth of semolina, the brightness of orange zest, and the crunch of pistachios.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup semolina flour
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– Orange zest from 1 orange
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together semolina flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, orange juice, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped pistachios and orange zest.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Orange Sour Cream Crumb Cake
This Orange Sour Cream Crumb Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the brightness of orange zest with the richness of sour cream and crumbly streusel topping. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
– Streusel topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, sour cream, egg, and orange zest; mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
5. Top with streusel topping (see below).
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Streusel Topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Mix dry ingredients and add butter; mix until crumbly.
Summary
Indulge in the sweet and tangy world of orange cakes with these 18 decadent recipes. From classic pound cakes to innovative twists like blood orange olive oil and vegan almond, there’s something for every taste bud. Whether you’re looking for a moist and flavorful bundt cake or a light and airy chiffon cake, this collection has got you covered. With flavors ranging from creamy ricotta cheesecakes to spicy gingerbread, you’ll find the perfect orange cake recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth.
