Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Old Fashioned Orange Cake is a timeless dessert with a soft, buttery crumb and bright citrus flavor from fresh orange juice and zest. It’s simple to make, elegant enough for gatherings, and comforting enough for everyday enjoyment. This cake brings nostalgic charm and a refreshing twist to your dessert table.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose floursugarunsalted buttereggsfresh orange juiceorange zestbaking powdersaltwhole milkvanilla extractpowdered sugar (optional, for glaze)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan or 9-inch round cake pan.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with the orange juice and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.

Mix until just combined and pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 slices.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for texture.
Use blood orange juice for a deeper citrus flavor and color.
Top with whipped cream or a dollop of orange marmalade.
Bake as cupcakes for individual servings.

storage/reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
To serve warm, microwave a slice for about 15 seconds or reheat in a low oven.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh juice is best for flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for substitution.

Can I add a glaze instead of powdered sugar?
Yes, a glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice adds extra citrus punch.

Why is my cake dense?
Be careful not to overmix the batter and ensure your baking powder is fresh.

Can I make this in a loaf pan?
Yes, just adjust the baking time as needed (typically 50-60 minutes).

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Orange Cake is a bright, tender dessert that celebrates the classic combination of buttery cake and vibrant citrus. Whether served plain, glazed, or with a scoop of ice cream, this cake delivers a delightful flavor that feels both vintage and fresh.