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Soft Orange Cake

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A Soft Orange Cake is a light, moist, and fragrant dessert bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Made with real orange juice and zest, this cake is perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert. Its tender crumb and bright orange aroma make it a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Soft, fluffy, and incredibly moist
  • Fresh orange flavor in every bite
  • Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
  • Perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or holidays
  • Delicious on its own or topped with glaze

Prep Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Bake Time: 35–45 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Servings: 10–12 slices

Equipment

  • 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fine grater (for zest)
  • Citrus juicer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) fresh orange juice
  • Zest of 2 oranges
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk or buttermilk

Optional Orange Syrup

  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Orange Glaze (Optional)

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • ½ teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease the cake pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl combine:

  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk well and set aside.

Step 3: Beat Eggs and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl:

  • Beat eggs for about 2 minutes.
  • Gradually add sugar.
  • Continue beating for 4–5 minutes until pale, thick, and fluffy.

This step creates a lighter cake.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in:

  • Vegetable oil
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • Orange zest

Slowly add fresh orange juice while mixing.

Finally stir in the milk.

Step 5: Combine

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Mix gently until just combined.

Do not overmix or the cake may become dense.

The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.

Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes.

Optional Orange Syrup

While the cake bakes:

Combine:

  • Orange juice
  • Sugar

Heat gently until the sugar dissolves.

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, poke small holes over the top with a skewer and brush or spoon the syrup evenly over the warm cake.

This keeps the cake extra moist and enhances the orange flavor.

Orange Glaze

Whisk together:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Orange juice
  • Orange zest

Adjust with a little more orange juice for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency.

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top.

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