5 Delicious And Moist Orange Cake Recipes For Every Occasion

Introduction

Orange cakes are a delightful twist on traditional cake recipes, offering a burst of citrusy flavor that is both refreshing and delicious. These cakes are perfect for all occasions, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Infused with the natural goodness of oranges, the recipes vary from classic and dense almond cakes to rich and moist chocolate ones. Adding of orange zest, juice, or even whole oranges can elevate the texture and taste of the cake, making it a hit among both kids and adults. 

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Explore our five top recipes to find the perfect orange cake for your next event or simply as a treat for yourself.

1.Classic Orange Cake

The Classic Orange Cake is a simple yet delicious cake that bursts with natural orange flavor. This moist and fluffy cake is perfect for any occasion, and the orange zest and juice in the batter give it a refreshing citrusy taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), grease, and flour two 9-inch round cake flour pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
3. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Add them to the creamed mixture alternately with the orange juice, buttermilk, orange zest, and vanilla, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

2.Orange Almond Cake

 This gluten-free Orange Almond Cake is incredibly moist and flavorful. Made with whole oranges and almond meal, it's a deliciously dense cake that is bursting with citrus flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 large oranges
• 3 cups almond meal
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line  9-inch round aluminum cake pan.
2. Place the oranges in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 hours, until the oranges are soft. Drain and let cool.
3. Cut the oranges into quarters and remove any seeds. Process in a food processor until smooth.
4. In a large bowl, combine the almond meal, sugar, and baking powder. Add the eggs, vanilla, and processed oranges, and mix until well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with the slivered almonds.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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3.Chocolate Orange Cake

Chocolate and orange are a match made in heaven, and this Chocolate Orange Cake is the perfect way to enjoy this delightful combination. The rich and moist chocolate cake is infused with orange zest and juice, and then layered with a sweet and tangy orange frosting.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake aluminum pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the milk, oil, eggs, and orange zest, and beat until smooth. Stir in the boiling water until well combined. The batter will be thin.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Remove from oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
6. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the orange juice and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, until slightly thickened. Let cool.
7. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice, beating until smooth and fluffy.
8. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and brush with the orange syrup. Spread with a layer of cake frosting. Repeat with the remaining layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake.

4.Orange Pound Cake

This Orange Pound Cake is a delicious twist on the classic pound cake recipe. It's rich, buttery, and infused with a fresh orange flavor. The orange glaze on top adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes it perfect for serving at any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the orange zest.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
5. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake slice.

5.Orange Carrot Cake

This Orange Carrot Cake is a delicious and moist cake that combines the flavors of carrot and orange for a unique twist. The cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of nuts on top make it extra special.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the oil, eggs, carrots, pineapple, and orange zest, and mix until well combined. Stir in the nuts.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Remove from oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
6. In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream icing cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth and fluffy.
7. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with a layer of frosting. Repeat with the remaining layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake. Sprinkle with the nuts.

How To Store Your Orange Cake

You can keep your orange cake batter at room temperature for the first day, but if you use cream cheese frosting, it needs to be refrigerated. The fat and sugar in the frosting help preserve the cream cheese for a while, allowing the cake slices to stay out longer initially.

When it's time to store the cake, opt for aclear food container. This way, you can easily see the cake's condition without opening the container, which helps maintain its freshness. Remember to refrigerate the cake. Before serving, allow the cake to sit until it warms up to room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips For Perfecting Your Moist Orange Cake Recipe

• Ensure the orange juice tastes good before adding it to the batter to avoid any unpleasant flavors.
• Preheat your oven for 20 to 30 minutes before baking for the best results.
• Use ingredients at room temperature to help the cake bake faster and more evenly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, orange cakes are a delicious and refreshing option for any occasion. With variations including almond, chocolate, pound, and carrot, there is something to suit every taste. These recipes are easy to follow and yield moist and flavorful cakes that are sure to impress your guests. So, next time you are looking for a dessert that is a little different, try one of these delightful orange cake recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Orange Juice Concentrate Instead Of Fresh Orange Juice?

Yes, you can use orange juice concentrate instead of fresh orange juice. Just make sure to dilute the concentrate according to the instructions on the package before using it in the recipe.

Can I Substitute Orange Extract For The Orange Zest? 

Yes, you can substitute orange extract for the orange zest. However, the flavor of the orange extract is more concentrated, so you may want to use less of it. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract and taste the batter before adding more.

Can I Make The Orange Cake In Advance? 

Yes, you can make the  orange cake in advance. Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you have frosted the cake, it's best to store it in the refrigerator.