Orange cake is a refreshing and light dessert bursting with citrus flavor, perfect for any occasion. The moist texture paired with the tangy sweetness of fresh oranges makes this cake a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, celebrating a birthday, or simply treating yourself, this orange cake is sure to become a favorite. Simple to make with just a few ingredients, it promises a delicious balance of zesty and sweet flavors that will leave everyone craving more.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- Zest of 1 large orange
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice (for glaze)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter.
- Stir in the freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. The fresh citrus will lend a wonderful flavor and aroma to the cake.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three batches, alternating with the whole milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake as baking times can vary based on oven temperature.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and orange juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice if necessary.
- Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the orange glaze over the top, allowing it to soak into the cake for extra flavor.
- Slice the cake into wedges and serve. Enjoy your homemade, zesty orange cake, perfect with a cup of tea or as a sweet treat any time of day.
This orange cake recipe guarantees a soft, fluffy texture with a tangy sweetness that comes from fresh oranges. Its citrusy aroma and burst of flavor make it the ideal dessert for anyone looking for a light, refreshing treat. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this orange cake will be a new favorite in your baking repertoire.