The Most Delicious Orange Cake

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Orange Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • ½ tsp orange zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. (Optional) Make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake and sprinkle with extra orange zest if desired.
  10. Slice, serve, and enjoy your moist, citrusy orange cake!

If you’d like, I can adapt this recipe for a loaf, cupcakes, or add tips for decoration — just say the word!

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