This Moist Orange Cake is soft, tender, and packed with fresh orange flavor. Made with fresh orange juice and zest, it has a delicate crumb and a wonderfully fragrant citrus aroma. A simple orange glaze adds even more flavor and keeps every slice beautifully moist.
It’s an easy homemade cake that’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Cake
- Incredibly moist and tender
- Full of fresh orange flavor
- Easy to prepare
- Made with simple ingredients
- Delicious with coffee or tea
- Even better with a sweet orange glaze
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons finely grated orange zest
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
How to Make Moist Orange Cake
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together for about 3–4 minutes, until light and fluffy.
This helps create a soft, tender cake.
4. Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the vanilla extract and orange zest.
5. Combine the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and orange juice.
Mix gently until just combined.
Don’t overmix once the flour has been incorporated.
6. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for approximately 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Make the Orange Glaze
Place the powdered sugar in a small bowl.
Gradually whisk in the fresh orange juice until you reach your desired consistency.
Stir in the orange zest.
For a thicker glaze, use less juice. For a thinner glaze, add a little more.
Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Tips for a Perfect Orange Cake
Use fresh oranges. Freshly squeezed juice and freshly grated zest give the cake a much brighter flavor.
Don’t grate the white part of the peel. The white pith can add bitterness.
Use room-temperature butter and eggs. They blend more easily and help create a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
Let the cake cool before glazing. Otherwise, the glaze may melt and run off the cake.
Easy Variations
Orange Chocolate Cake
Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cake.
Orange Almond Cake
Add ½ teaspoon almond extract and sprinkle sliced almonds over the top before baking.
Orange Coconut Cake
Add ½ cup shredded coconut for a delicious citrus-coconut combination.
Orange Cream Cake
Serve each slice with whipped cream and fresh orange segments.
Storage
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate it for several days. Allow slices to come closer to room temperature before serving.
The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly and freeze without the glaze for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh orange juice is recommended because it provides a stronger, fresher flavor, especially when combined with orange zest.
Can I make this cake in a loaf pan?
Yes. A standard loaf pan works well, although the baking time may need to be increased. Check the center with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely. The cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds an extra burst of orange flavor and sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Moist Orange Cake is proof that a simple cake can still feel special. Fresh orange juice and zest give it a beautiful citrus flavor, while the buttery crumb keeps every bite soft and tender.