From Scratch to Citrus Perfection: Easy Orange Juice Cake Recipe

This orange juice cake is my current obsession! Last weekend, I made it again, and before I could slice it, everyone was circling like they were drawn in by the smell!

Don't get me wrong—any kind of cake is great to me. But this one is really on another level. The bright orange juice soaks into every bite, making it soft, fluffy, and moist like a dream. But let's not fool ourselves—that thick, citrusy glaze running down the sides is what really makes this dish stand out.

This is the reason you've been waiting for to make your kitchen smell like citrus heaven. Every bite is like a burst of sunshine, and really? You'll think about this cake for a long time after the last piece is gone and wonder when you can make it again. It's never too early, that much I can say!

TOTAL PREPARATION TIME: 1 hour
COURSE: Dessert

A plate of Orange Juice Cake to be served after meal.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Juice Cake

Imagine biting into a piece of cake that is soft and moist and tastes like fresh oranges. This Orange Juice Cake is a great way to enjoy the bright, fruity taste of citrus. With just a few steps, you can make something that tastes like it came from a cute bakery.

Orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice are what make this cake stand out. They give it a natural sweetness and a hint of tanginess. Because it has fresh juice in it, the cake stays very moist, and the zest gives it a beautiful depth of flavor that goes well with coffee, tea, or even milk. Plus, you can't resist the wonderful smell that fills your home while it bakes!

Ingredients

3 Eggs
1 1/2 Cups Granulated Sugar
1 Cup Vegetable Oil
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
3 Cups All-Purpose Flour
2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Cup Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
1 Tablespoon Orange Zest

How to Bake Orange Juice Cake?

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C). Preparing the oven ahead of time ensures that your cake bakes evenly. While the oven heats up, prepare your favorite cake pan by greasing it generously with butter and dusting it with flour.

Zulay Says: This will help the cake release easily from the pan once baked. You can use a classic round pan, a loaf pan, or even a bundt pan—whatever you prefer!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This mixture serves as the base of your cake, providing both moisture and richness. The oil, instead of butter, keeps the cake light while making it super moist.

Step 3: Sift and Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour, giving the cake a lighter texture, and evenly distributes the baking powder and salt. Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in two parts, mixing well after each addition. Mix it very well so that everything incorporates smoothly without lumps.

Sifting flour for the orange juice cake mixture.

Step 4: Add the Citrus Magic

Now for the star of the show—freshly squeezed orange juice and zest! Squeeze the juice from your oranges using a citrus juicer to get every last drop of that bright flavor. Add the juice and the orange zest to your batter, and gently mix until everything is combined and the batter looks smooth and luscious. The zest adds those little bursts of citrus flavor that elevate the cake from ordinary to extraordinary.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake at 356°F (180°C) for about 50 minutes. You’ll know the cake is ready when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like a citrus grove, and you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can take your first bite!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. To finish, you can dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar—it adds a touch of sweetness and makes the cake look extra beautiful.

Zulay's Expert Tips for the Best Orange Juice Cake

Use Fresh Oranges Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest are vital in getting the best flavor. To be honest, bottled juice doesn’t have the same vibrant taste.
Don’t Overmix When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
Check for Doneness Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake at around 45 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil to prevent over-browning while the inside finishes baking.

Orange Juice Cake with orange toppings on top.

Orange Juice Cake Serving Suggestions

This Orange Juice Cake tastes great by itself, but if you want to get fancy, you can dress it up! Put whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a simple orange glaze on top of it before serving. It's great with coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon, or as a light dessert after dinner. This cake will make your day better no matter how you eat it.

Zulay's Final Thoughts

Something so comforting about a cake you made yourself, especially one that tastes like fresh oranges. This Orange Juice Cake is simple to make and tastes great with a hint of citrus. It's great for any event, whether you're celebrating a big moment or just want to share a sweet treat with your friends and family. Get some fresh oranges, make this delicious cake, and enjoy a taste of citrus perfection!

A freshly baked Orange Juice Cake for a refreshing dessert.

Let Us Know What You Think!

Have you tried this Orange Juice Cake recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you add any twists, like an orange glaze or a sprinkle of nuts? Leave a comment below with your thoughts and any suggestions for other recipes you’d love to see. Your feedback helps us keep creating delicious content that you’ll enjoy.

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Know Someone Who Should Read This?

Share this recipe with your friends and family on social media! Don’t forget to tag @ZulayKitchen and use #kitchenhappiness. Let’s spread the love of baking and enjoy some sweet moments together.