Sharing is caring!

This Orange Cake is a soft, moist, and flavorful dessert infused with the brightness of fresh orange juice and zest. Topped with a sweet cream cheese glaze and optionally brushed with an orange syrup for extra depth, this cake delivers a delightful balance of tangy citrus and tender crumb, perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist & Tender Crumb: Thanks to sour cream and freshly squeezed orange juice.

• Bright Citrus Flavor: Both zest and juice combine for vibrant taste.

• Optional Enhancements: Orange syrup and cream cheese glaze take it to another level.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: From tea time to celebrations.

• Homestyle & Elegant: Easy to make, yet beautiful to present.

Orange Cake

There’s something magical about citrus in desserts—it brings freshness and vibrancy that sugar alone can never achieve. An Orange Cake, with its sunny hue and fragrant aroma, is one of those desserts that instantly uplifts the mood. The natural sweetness of orange paired with its gentle acidity creates a flavor that is both comforting and invigorating, making this cake a standout on any dessert table.

The beauty of this cake lies in its balance. Unlike overly rich chocolate cakes or dense cheesecakes, this orange-scented creation offers a lighter, fruitier indulgence. The batter is made with butter for richness, sour cream for moisture, and plenty of fresh orange juice and zest to infuse every bite with citrus flavor. The result is a cake that feels tender and soft, yet satisfying, with just enough sweetness to keep you reaching for another slice.

This cake is also deeply aromatic. As soon as it enters the oven, the fragrance of citrus fills the kitchen, promising a dessert that tastes as good as it smells. Baking with citrus zest captures the essence of the fruit in a way that juice alone cannot—zest contains natural oils that carry the most vibrant flavors. That’s why this cake doesn’t just taste orange—it embodies it fully.

One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. The cake can be enjoyed plain, which highlights the simplicity of its crumb and natural citrus flavor. However, brushing it with orange syrup adds moisture and a concentrated citrus punch that deepens its character. The cream cheese glaze provides an optional finishing touch, creating a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the soft cake beneath. Each version is delicious, and you can choose the one that suits your preference or occasion best.

In terms of texture, this cake strikes a perfect balance. The use of sour cream ensures that the crumb stays moist without becoming heavy. The addition of both baking powder and baking soda provides lift, resulting in a tender bite that feels almost fluffy yet still substantial. It’s the kind of cake that pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it as suitable for afternoon snacks as it is for dessert.

This Orange Cake is also a wonderful introduction to citrus baking for those who may be new to it. While lemon often gets the spotlight in desserts, orange brings a sweeter, more mellow character that makes it approachable for a wide audience. Children especially love the subtle sweetness, while adults appreciate the complexity added by zest and optional syrup. It’s a cake that bridges generations with its universal appeal.

Another reason this cake is so well-loved is its ability to shine in both casual and formal settings. Served simply, it can be a comforting weekday treat. Dressed with glaze and perhaps garnished with candied orange peel, it transforms into an elegant centerpiece for a dinner party. This dual nature makes it an invaluable recipe to keep in your collection—it adapts to whatever you need it to be.

Beyond its flavor, this cake is also practical. It stores well at room temperature for several days, and in fact, many find that its flavor improves after resting overnight. The syrup, if used, helps maintain its moistness, ensuring that leftovers are just as enjoyable as the first slice. That makes it a smart choice for busy schedules when you want to prepare dessert in advance.

The method itself is straightforward and rewarding. Creaming butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, folding in zest, adding eggs one by one—it’s a process that allows you to connect with the craft of baking. Watching the batter come together and rise in the oven is a reminder of how simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary with a little patience and care.

On the sensory side, the cake delights in every way. Its crumb is golden and soft, its aroma fragrant with citrus, and its taste a perfect blend of sweet and tangy. If glazed, the creamy topping provides a silky counterpoint to the fluffy cake, while the syrup intensifies the citrus notes. Each slice feels like sunshine on a plate, warming and brightening the spirit.

The nutritional profile, while indulgent, is moderate compared to many frosted cakes. With its fruit-forward nature, the Orange Cake offers a lighter indulgence that can be enjoyed without feeling weighed down. Paired with fresh fruit on the side, it can even take on a refreshing quality that complements healthier meals.

Historically, citrus cakes have always symbolized hospitality. Offering a slice of freshly baked Orange Cake to guests is not just about sharing food—it’s about sharing warmth and cheer. The citrus itself, associated with brightness and energy, makes this cake especially meaningful when shared with loved ones.

This recipe also provides an excellent opportunity for creative variation. You can incorporate spices like cardamom or cinnamon for depth, or drizzle with a simple orange glaze instead of the cream cheese version. You could even fold in chocolate chips for a playful twist. The core recipe is strong enough to support experimentation, making it a wonderful base for creativity.

Above all, this Orange Cake is a celebration of flavor, texture, and tradition. It proves that you don’t need elaborate techniques or exotic ingredients to create something memorable. Sometimes, the combination of fresh fruit, basic pantry staples, and a little baking magic is all you need. With each slice, you taste not just orange, but the joy of homemade dessert at its finest.

Servings

Serves: 8–10 slices

Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

• Cooling Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 1/3 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour

• 3 tablespoons (20 g) cornstarch

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup (114 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (175 g) granulated sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest

• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but enhances flavor)

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup (57 g) sour cream, room temperature

• 1/2 cup (118 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice

For the Orange Syrup (Optional):

• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

For the Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional):

• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 6-cup bundt pan.

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a stand mixer, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar, followed by orange and lemon zest. Beat until pale and fluffy, 4–5 minutes.

4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla and sour cream until combined.

5. On low speed, add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with orange juice, starting and ending with flour. Do not overmix.

6. Transfer batter to prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

7. For syrup (optional): Simmer orange juice and sugar until dissolved. Poke holes in warm cake with a skewer, brush one-third syrup on top, let cool 10 minutes, then invert cake onto a platter. Brush remaining syrup over cake.

8. For glaze (optional): Whisk cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, then cream until thick yet pourable. Drizzle over cooled cake.

9. Slice and serve, garnished with orange peel if desired.

Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, butter, and sour cream are at room temperature for best texture.

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing creates a dense cake; mix only until combined.

• Boost Flavor: Add extra zest for a stronger orange punch.

• Storage: Cake keeps 3–4 days covered at room temperature.

• Optional Garnishes: Candied orange slices or fresh zest add elegance.