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Enjoy the bright, tangy taste of oranges with this simple homemade orange cake recipe. The cake layers are filled with the real essence of fresh oranges. This makes the cake soft and tender, melting in your mouth.

This recipe uses only real oranges, not artificial extracts or essences. It ensures a genuine citrus flavor. The cake is light and fluffy, like a sponge cake. It’s the perfect mix of moisture and airiness, making it a must-try for any event.

Key Takeaways

Moist and delicious homemade orange cake
Packed with natural orange flavor from fresh oranges
Soft, tender crumb with a light, fluffy texture
Easy-to-follow recipe with simple ingredients
Versatile cake that can be enjoyed for any occasion

Why This Orange Cake Recipe Will Become Your Favorite

If you love moist, flavorful cakes, this orange cake recipe is perfect for you. It has a great texture, a natural orange taste, and can be served in many ways. It’s a treat for your senses.

Perfect Texture and Crumb

The cake’s amazing texture comes from its ingredients. Butter, sugar, eggs, and sour cream make it soft and tender. It’s light and spongy, perfect for layering or enjoying alone.

Natural Orange Flavor

The cake’s star is its fresh orange flavor. It uses real orange juice and zest for a vibrant, natural taste. This gives you a true orange experience that’s refreshing and satisfying.

Versatile Serving Options

This moist orange cake can be made in many ways. Bake it as a layer cake, a Bundt, or in loaf pans. It goes well with frostings and fillings, making it great for any event.

Whether you want a comforting slice or a stunning dessert, this recipe is a hit. It offers the perfect mix of moisture, flavor, and texture in every bite.

Essential Ingredients for Your Orange Cake

To bake the perfect orange cake, you need the right ingredients. These include all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. You’ll also need unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and white granulated sugar.

Don’t forget the fresh orange zest, eggs, milk, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Vanilla extract is also a must. For the cream cheese frosting, you’ll need cream cheese, powdered sugar, and more orange zest and juice.

Using fresh oranges is key. They add vibrant flavor and moisture to your cake.

The recipe balances flour, sugar, eggs, and butter like a classic pound cake. A medium orange gives about ¼ cup of juice. You’ll need 3 large eggs, ¾ cup caster sugar, and 1 ⅓ cup sifted flour.

There’s also ¾ teaspoon baking powder and ⅔ cup melted salted butter. You can add mini chocolate chips, cranberries, or walnuts for extra flavor. A pinch of cinnamon or a glaze made with confectioners’ sugar and orange juice can also be fun.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To bake a moist and delicious orange cake, you need the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe a success:

Baking Pans and Sizes

8-inch round cake pans or a 12-cup Bundt pan for baking the cake
A wire cooling rack to cool the cake after baking

Mixing Equipment

An electric mixer is key for mixing the batter right. You’ll also need mixing bowls for the ingredients.

Measuring Tools

Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Make sure you have measuring cups and spoons. A food scale helps with weighing ingredients like flour and sugar.

Other useful tools include a zester for grating orange zest, a juicer for fresh orange juice, and a spatula for scraping the bowl.

Equipment	Purpose
8-inch round cake pans or 12-cup Bundt pan	Baking the orange cake
Electric mixer (hand or stand)	Mixing the cake batter
Mixing bowls	Holding the ingredients
Whisk or fork	Mixing and incorporating ingredients
Spatula	Scraping down the sides of the bowl
Measuring cups and spoons	Accurately measuring ingredients
Kitchen scale	Providing precise ingredient measurements
Zester	Grating orange zest
Juicer	Extracting fresh orange juice

With these essential baking tools and cake pans, you’re ready to make a delicious homemade orange cake. Your family and friends will love it.

Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions

Making a tasty homemade orange cake is simpler than you think. Just follow these easy steps to mix the perfect batter:

First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your baking pans are ready, whether it’s a Bundt, loaf, or round cake pan. Grease and flour them well.
Next, sift the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. You’ll need 2 1/2 cups (350g) all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Keep this aside for now.
In a big mixing bowl, mix 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add the 4 large eggs one by one. Then, mix in 1 cup (240ml) canola or vegetable oil, 1 1/4 cups (300ml) fresh orange juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until they’re just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Now, gently add the zest of 3-4 oranges to the batter. This will give it a natural orange flavor.
Fill your prepared pans with the batter, leaving about 3/4 of the pan empty.
Put the cakes in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely before you frost or serve them.

By following these steps, you’ll get a moist and flavorful orange cake recipe. The secret is to not overmix the batter. Also, use fresh, quality ingredients for the best baking instructions.

Making the Perfect Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Take your homemade orange cake to the next level with a creamy orange cream cheese frosting. This tangy topping is a perfect match for the moist cake. Follow these steps to make a frosting that will wow your guests.

Tips for Smooth Frosting

To get a silky frosting, start by beating the unsalted butter until it’s fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, add powdered sugar slowly, mixing well after each addition, for a creamy texture.

Next, mix in the cold cream cheese, orange zest, and a bit of orange juice. Keep mixing until everything is well combined.

Frosting Consistency Guide

You can adjust the frosting’s consistency to your liking. For a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thick, thin it out with a little orange juice or heavy cream.

Nutritional Information	Value per Serving
Calories	620 kcal
Carbohydrates	80g
Protein	4g
Fat	33g
Saturated Fat	11g
Polyunsaturated Fat	5g
Monounsaturated Fat	15g
Trans Fat	1g
Cholesterol	78mg
Sodium	381mg
Potassium	144mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	60g
Vitamin A	574IU
Vitamin C	9mg
Calcium	53mg
Iron	1mg

With these tips and the nutritional info, you’re ready to make a show-stopping orange cream cheese frosting. Impress your family and friends with this delightful dessert!

Orange Cake Baking Tips and Tricks

Baking the perfect orange cake needs a few key tips. Here are some valuable insights to make your homemade orange cake moist, flavorful, and beautiful:

Use room temperature ingredients. Make sure your eggs, butter, and other dairy are at room temperature before you start. This helps mix everything better.
Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can make your cake dense and tough. Just gently mix the wet and dry ingredients until they’re just combined.
Level cake layers for even stacking. Use a serrated knife to even out the tops of your baked cake layers. This makes them flat and ready for stacking and frosting.
Brush cake layers with orange syrup. For more orange flavor, brush the tops of your cake layers with orange syrup before frosting.
Adjust baking time and temperature. Remember, the size of your pan matters. Smaller pans might need a bit more heat and less time, while bigger pans might need less heat and more time.

Metric	Value
Total Votes	367
Calories per Serving	581 kcal
Cooling Time	15 minutes
Baking Pan Size	8×4-inch loaf pan

By using these baking tips and orange cake tricks, you’ll make a moist, flavorful, and stunning homemade orange cake. Your family and friends will love it.

Decorating Your Orange Cake

Make your homemade orange cake look amazing with the right touches. Paying attention to detail can turn a simple cake into a stunning centerpiece. It will impress everyone at your next gathering.

Professional Finishing Touches

First, make sure your cake layers are even and the edges are clean. This makes it easier to frost. Use an offset spatula to spread the orange cream cheese frosting smoothly. To get sharp edges, move the spatula towards the center as you frost.

Creative Garnishing Ideas

Pipe fancy designs or swirls of frosting on the cake.
Decorate with thin slices of fresh orange in a pretty pattern.
Make orange zest curls with a peeler and place them around the cake.
Use crystallized orange peel slices as a crunchy garnish.
Try a naked cake look by not frosting it fully, so the cake layers show.

With a bit of creativity and some simple steps, your orange cake can become a masterpiece of cake decorating. Impress your guests with this beautifully presented citrus treat.

Storage and Serving Guidelines

Enjoying your homemade orange cake is best when you store and serve it right. Let’s explore how to keep it fresh and flavorful!

Cake Storage

Store your orange cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This keeps it moist and prevents drying. Before serving, let it come to room temperature for the best taste and texture.

For longer storage, freeze the orange cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic or foil, then in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Serving Tips

Slice the orange cake just before serving for the freshest look.
Top the cake with fresh orange slices, candied peels, or powdered sugar for a fancy touch.
Enjoy the orange cake with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a sweet treat.

Storage Method	Maximum Duration
Refrigerator	5 days
Freezer	2 months

By using these cake storage and serving tips, your homemade orange cake stays fresh and full of citrus flavor. Everyone will love it!

Common Baking Issues and Solutions

Baking can be fun and rewarding, but even experts face challenges. In this guide, I’ll cover common baking problems and solutions. This will help you make a delicious orange cake.

Troubleshooting Guide

If your cake has a domed top, the oven might be too hot. Try lowering the oven temperature by 25°F. This can help it bake evenly. If your cake is dry, check the oven’s temperature and don’t overbake.

A sunken center can happen if you open the oven door too soon. Keep the door closed while baking. If your cake sticks to the pan, use a homemade release or parchment paper for easy removal.

Temperature Considerations

Oven temperature is key to baking success. Ovens can be off from the displayed temperature. An oven thermometer can help you find the real temperature. Calibrate your oven and rotate the cake pan for even cooking.

Baking times are just a guide. Pan size, ingredient temperatures, and oven variations can change baking time. Check for doneness a few minutes early. Look for a springy top and a clean cake tester to know when it’s done.

By tackling these common issues and focusing on temperature and timing, you’ll make moist, tasty orange cakes. Your family and friends will love them.

Variations and Flavor Adaptations

Homemade orange cake is incredibly versatile. You can explore many flavor combinations and creative twists. Let’s look at some amazing variations that will make your orange cake stand out.

For a festive touch, add cranberries to the batter. Their tartness complements the orange’s bright citrus, making a delightful holiday treat. If you love chocolate, try a chocolate orange version by adding cocoa powder. The mix of rich chocolate and zesty orange is heavenly.

Orange Cranberry Cake: Mix in fresh or dried cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweet orange.
Chocolate Orange Cake: Add cocoa powder and a hint of orange zest for a luxurious twist.
Orange Upside-Down Cake: Place orange slices in the pan before adding the batter for a caramelized topping.

Feel free to try different frostings and toppings. A chocolate ganache or vanilla buttercream can elevate your orange cake. The world of flavor combinations is vast, so let your imagination run wild and find your new favorite dessert.

Orange Cake Recipe Nutritional Information

I love cakes, and this orange cake is no exception. It’s not just tasty; it’s also good for you. Each slice has about 199 calories, 28 grams of carbs, and 4 grams of protein.

The cake is also rich in healthy fats. You’ll find 8 grams in each slice, with 1 gram of saturated fat and 5 grams of monounsaturated fat. It has a tiny bit of trans fat, just 0.01 grams. It also has 49 milligrams of cholesterol and 167 milligrams of sodium.

Keep in mind, the exact nutrition might change based on ingredients and serving size. But this gives you a good idea of what’s in this orange cake. So, go ahead and enjoy it, knowing it’s part of a healthy diet.

FAQ

What makes this orange cake recipe so special?

This orange cake recipe is special because it captures the bright, tangy flavor of oranges perfectly. The cake layers are filled with orange flavor and have a soft, tender crumb. It uses fresh oranges only, without any extracts or essences, for a natural and vibrant orange taste.

What is the texture of this orange cake?

The orange cake has a wonderful natural orange flavor and an incredibly soft, tender crumb. It’s light and fluffy, similar to a sponge cake, with a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.

How can I serve this orange cake?

You can serve this orange cake in many ways. It can be made as a layer cake, Bundt cake, or in loaf pans. It’s perfect for any occasion and goes well with different frostings and fillings.

What are the key ingredients in this orange cake?

The key ingredients include all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, vegetable oil, white granulated sugar, orange zest, eggs, milk, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract. For the frosting, you’ll need cream cheese, powdered sugar, and more orange zest and juice.

What kitchen tools and equipment are needed?

You’ll need 8-inch round cake pans or a 12-cup Bundt pan, an electric mixer (hand or stand), measuring cups and spoons, a food scale for precise measurements, a zester, a juicer, mixing bowls, and a wire cooling rack.

How do I make the orange cake batter?

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sift dry ingredients. Cream butter, oil, sugar, and orange zest. Add eggs one by one, then milk, orange juice, and vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How do I make the orange cream cheese frosting?

Cream butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in cold cream cheese, vanilla, orange zest, and juice until smooth. Avoid overmixing. For a thicker consistency, add more powdered sugar or a small amount of cornstarch.

What are some tips for baking the perfect orange cake?

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake. Level cake layers for even stacking. For extra orange flavor, brush cake layers with orange syrup before frosting. Adjust baking time and temperature for different pan sizes.

How do I decorate the orange cake?

Level cake layers and trim edges if desired. Use an offset spatula for smooth frosting application. Create sharp edges by slowly bringing the spatula to the center of the cake. Decorate with piped frosting, orange slices, zest curls, or candied orange peel. Consider a naked cake style for a rustic look.

How should I store and serve the orange cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How can I troubleshoot common baking issues with this orange cake?

For a domed cake, reduce oven temperature. If the cake is too dry, check oven temperature accuracy and avoid overbaking. For a sunken center, ensure the oven door isn’t opened during baking. If the cake sticks to the pan, use a homemade cake release or parchment paper.

What are some variations and flavor adaptations for this orange cake?

Try adding cranberries for a holiday twist. Experiment with a chocolate orange version by adding cocoa powder. Create an orange upside-down cake by arranging orange slices in the pan before adding batter. Consider pairing with different frostings like chocolate ganache or vanilla buttercream.

What is the nutritional information for this orange cake?

Per serving (1/12 of the cake): approximately 414 calories, 17g fat, 63g carbohydrates, 4g protein. Contains vitamin C from fresh oranges. Exact values may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size. This information is an estimate and should be used as a general guide.