Description
This orange juice cake is tender, moist, and bursting with citrus flavor. Lightly sweetened and fragrant, it’s a versatile cake perfect for brunch, tea, or a cozy dessert at home. Its soft crumb, bright orange aroma, and optional glaze make it memorable yet approachable for bakers of all skill levels. Every slice tastes like a little sunshine, bringing warmth and happiness to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- Optional glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar + 2–3 tbsp orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Line with parchment paper if desired.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, 2–3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Fold in dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with orange juice. Start and end with flour mixture.
- Gently fold in orange zest.
- Pour batter into pan, smooth top, and tap gently to release air bubbles.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, transfer to wire rack. Add glaze if desired. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh oranges for best flavor.
- Don’t overmix batter to maintain a light texture.
- Add a simple glaze or fresh zest before serving for extra aroma.
- Optional add-ins: nuts, white chocolate chips, or fresh berries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8–10
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg