Moist and Easy Orange Cake Recipe with Fresh Orange Zest
If you're looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful homemade orange cake, this moist orange cake recipe is just what you need! Made with freshly squeezed orange juice and zest, it’s bursting with natural citrus flavor. The combination of soft butter, sugar, and eggs creates a rich, tender crumb, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, this easy orange cake recipe requires minimal ingredients and is straightforward to prepare. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve a beautifully golden, fluffy cake with a delightful orange aroma.
Why You'll Love This Orange Cake
✔️ Easy to Make – No complicated techniques, just basic mixing and baking.
✔️ Super Moist & Fluffy – Perfect texture that stays soft for days.
✔️ Bursting with Citrus Flavor – Made with real oranges for a fresh taste.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make this homemade orange cake, gather these simple ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1¾ cups (265g) all-purpose flour – The base of the cake.
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise.
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda – Balances acidity and enhances fluffiness.
Wet Ingredients:
- 1¼ sticks (2/3 cup or 141g) unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.
- ¾ cup (165g) granulated sugar – Sweetens and enhances flavor.
- 3 large eggs – Provides structure and stability.
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk – Keeps the cake tender and soft.
- 3 oz (90ml) freshly squeezed orange juice – Natural citrus flavor.
- Zest of 1 large orange – Adds intense orange aroma.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease and flour an 8x4-inch loaf pan or an 8-inch round cake pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Sifting aerates the flour, making the cake lighter. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Cream for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This step is essential for a soft cake texture.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures even distribution and prevents the batter from curdling.
Step 5: Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add:
- Half of the flour mixture
- Half of the milk
- Half of the orange juice
Mix on low speed until just combined. Then, add the remaining flour, milk, and orange juice, mixing until smooth. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake.
Step 6: Fold in the Orange Zest
Using a spatula, gently fold in the orange zest. This intensifies the citrus aroma and enhances the flavor.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cooling the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Orange Cake
✔️ Use Fresh Oranges – Freshly squeezed juice and zest give the best flavor. Avoid bottled orange juice.
✔️ Room Temperature Ingredients – Helps the batter mix evenly and ensures a uniform texture.
✔️ Don’t Overmix – Overbeating the batter can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
✔️ Check for Doneness – Oven temperatures vary, so test with a toothpick at the 50-minute mark.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
- Top with an orange glaze (mix powdered sugar and orange juice) for extra sweetness.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a rich dessert.
How to Store Orange Cake
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator – Keeps fresh for up to a week.
- Freezer – Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store for up to 3 months.
FAQs About Orange Cake
Can I Use Oil Instead of Butter?
Yes! Substitute ⅔ cup (160ml) of vegetable oil for butter for an even moister cake.
What Other Citrus Can I Use?
Lemon, lime, or a mix of citrus work well for variations.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, use gluten-free all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio.
Try This Easy Orange Cake Recipe Today!
This easy orange cake recipe with fresh orange zest is perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it with coffee in the morning or as a light dessert, its moist, citrusy flavor will keep you coming back for more.
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