There's something absolutely enchanting about the moment you slice into a perfectly moist Orange Cake - that burst of citrus aroma that fills the kitchen and makes everyone gather around with eager smiles. My grandmother's orange birthday cake was the star of every family celebration, and when she finally shared her secret recipe with me last spring, I understood why everyone always requested it specifically.
This isn't just any orange cake recipe; it's a tender, incredibly flavorful masterpiece that captures pure sunshine in every bite. Whether you're planning a special birthday celebration or just want to bring some brightness to an ordinary Tuesday, this recipe will become your go-to for creating those magical moments that make people feel truly loved.
Why You'll Love This Orange Cake Recipe
This orange creamsicle cake delivers everything you dream of in the perfect citrus dessert - incredible moisture, bright orange flavor, and that irresistible aroma that makes your kitchen smell like pure happiness. What makes this mandarin Orange Cake so special is how it balances that perfect citrus zing with a tender, fluffy crumb that practically melts in your mouth.
My kids call it "sunshine cake," and honestly, they're not wrong! It's one of those easy fun cake recipes that feels fancy enough for special occasions but simple enough for weekend baking adventures. Plus, the orange and cream cake combination creates this beautiful two-flavor experience that reminds everyone of their favorite childhood orange creamsicle treats, making it perfect for light birthday cake ideas that everyone will remember.
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What You'll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create the most incredible orange flavored cake that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery. Most items are probably already in your pantry!
The full orange cake recipe instructions are right in the card below.
Main Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Extras
You can add orange food coloring for a more vibrant color, or fold in mini chocolate chips for a fun twist on this classic recipe.
How to Make Orange Cake Recipe
Prepare Your Baking Setup
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper for easy removal of your beautiful orangesicle cake.
Mix Dry Ingredients Base
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This creates the perfect foundation for your cake recipes orange masterpiece.
Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for creating that tender texture in your southern orange cake.
Add Eggs and Flavoring
Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla. The fresh citrus is what makes this whole orange cake so incredibly flavorful.
Can I make this orange cake ahead of time? Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the orange flavors develop and meld together beautifully.
Alternate Wet and Dry
Add flour mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined - overmixing can make your baked dessert recipes tough.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-28 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Frost
Cool completely before frosting with your favorite cream cheese frosting or orange buttercream for the ultimate creamsicle cake recipe experience.
Aliana's Pro Tip
The secret to the most intensely flavored orange cake? Use both orange juice AND orange zest - the juice adds moisture and flavor while the zest provides those incredible aromatic oils that make this one of the best yummy cakes ever.
My grandmother always told me to zest the oranges before juicing them, and to use the finest side of your grater for the most delicate zest that distributes evenly throughout the batter.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Creative Variations
Transform this basic recipe into different orange cake design ideas by adding mandarin orange segments between layers, creating an orange and cream layered effect, or even incorporating some sicilian recipes influences with a touch of almond extract.
Storage & Serving Tips
This orange cake stays beautifully moist covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. It also freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months - perfect for advance party planning.
Perfect Frosting Pairings
This versatile cake pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, or even a simple orange glaze. For special occasions, try a two-tone frosting that echoes the orange creamsicle theme.
FAQs About Orange Cake Recipe
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh is always best for flavor, but high-quality bottled juice works in a pinch.
How do I prevent my cake from being too dense?
Don't overmix the batter and make sure your baking powder is fresh and active.
Can I make this as cupcakes instead?
Yes! Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes for perfect orange cupcakes.
What's the best way to get maximum orange flavor?
Use both juice and zest, and don't skip the zest - it's where most of the flavor lives.
More Citrus Desserts You'll Love
If you're looking for more orange recipes and just Dessert that celebrate bright, sunny flavors, these treats are perfect for any occasion:
Made something amazing? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your beautiful creation. You'll find this orange cake recipe in my cake recipes collection where all my family's favorite celebration desserts live, ready to help you eat dessert and make every moment special.
Easy Orange Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two greased 9-inch pans with parchment paper until ready for batter.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl until the mixture is uniform and aerated.
- Beat softened butter and sugar for 4 minutes until the texture becomes pale and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, orange zest, juice, and vanilla until the liquid is fully incorporated.
- Fold flour mixture and milk alternately into the butter base until no dry streaks remain.
- Bake for 25-28 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool the cakes completely on a wire rack so they are firm enough to frost.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Orange Cake Recipe:
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