Learn how to make a moist Orange Cake with this easy step-by-step recipe. Made with fresh orange juice and zest, this soft, fluffy cake is finished with a sweet orange glaze, making it perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert.

Moist Orange Cake

Bright, fragrant, and wonderfully moist, this Orange Cake is a delightful dessert that celebrates the fresh flavor of oranges in every bite. Made with freshly squeezed orange juice and aromatic orange zest, the cake has a tender crumb and a refreshing citrus taste that’s both light and satisfying.

Whether you’re serving it for brunch, afternoon tea, birthdays, or as a simple family dessert, this easy homemade Orange Cake is sure to become a favorite. Finish it with a sweet orange glaze for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft, moist, and fluffy texture
Fresh orange flavor in every bite
Easy to make with simple ingredients
Perfect for any occasion
Delicious with or without glaze
Stays moist for several days

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10–12

Ingredients

For the Cake

2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

For the Orange Glaze

1½ cups powdered sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Optional Garnishes

Thin orange slices
Candied orange peel
Powdered sugar
Fresh mint leaves

Kitchen Equipment

9-inch round cake pan or 9×5-inch loaf pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and lightly flour your cake pan, or line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth and slightly lighter in color.

Add the orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt.

Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined.

Do not overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

Step 5: Fill the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.

Smooth the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Cool

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Orange Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.

If the glaze is too thick, add a little more orange juice.

If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Step 9: Glaze the Cake

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

Allow it to set for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 10: Serve

Slice and serve with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.

Serving Suggestions

This Orange Cake pairs wonderfully with:

Fresh berries
Whipped cream
Vanilla ice cream
Greek yogurt
Hot tea
Coffee
Espresso
Fresh fruit salad

Tips for Success

Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the brightest flavor.
Finely grate only the orange-colored zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Bring eggs and yogurt to room temperature before mixing.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
Let the cake cool completely before glazing.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Orange Cake

Fold 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter for a classic chocolate-orange combination.

Orange Almond Cake

Replace ½ cup of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a subtle nutty flavor.

Cranberry Orange Cake

Fold 1 cup of fresh or dried cranberries into the batter before baking.

Lemon-Orange Cake

Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for a citrus blend.

Orange Coconut Cake

Mix ½ cup of shredded coconut into the batter and sprinkle more over the glaze.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezer: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled 100% orange juice can be used if necessary.

Can I make this into cupcakes?

Yes. Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18 to 22 minutes.

Why is my cake dry?

Overbaking or adding too much flour can cause dryness. Measure ingredients accurately and check the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time ends.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes. The cake can be baked one day in advance and glazed just before serving.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

Yes. Substitute an equal amount of melted unsalted butter. The cake will have a richer flavor but may be slightly less moist than when made with oil.

Final Thoughts

This Moist Orange Cake is a bright, flavorful dessert that combines the natural sweetness and aroma of fresh oranges with a soft, tender crumb. Easy enough for everyday baking yet elegant enough for special occasions, it’s a versatile cake that’s sure to delight family and friends. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea, served after dinner, or dressed up with whipped cream and fresh fruit, this citrusy cake is a refreshing treat you’ll want to bake again and again.