Why Make This Recipe
Soft & fluffy orange cake is a delightful treat that brings a burst of citrus flavor to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, this cake can light up your day. The cake’s light texture and vibrant orange taste make it a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, it’s easy to make and even easier to eat! With the sweet and tangy orange frosting, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends.
How to Make Soft & Fluffy Orange Cake
Making this soft and fluffy orange cake is a fun and simple process. You don’t need to be a skilled baker to achieve incredible results. Follow these steps to create a delicious orange cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice (for frosting)
Directions
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two round cake pans with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cakes come out easily after baking.
Prepare dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well.
Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, take the softened butter and beat it until it becomes creamy. Then, add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg.
Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. While doing this, alternate with adding the milk until the batter is smooth.
Add orange flavor: Stir in the fresh orange juice and orange zest. This will give the cake its lovely citrus flavor.
Prepare to bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to level the tops for even baking.
Bake the cake: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cakes are ready.
Cool the cakes: Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the frosting: For the frosting, beat the unsalted butter until it’s smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix in fresh orange juice until the frosting is fluffy and easy to spread.
Frost the cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost them as desired. Slice and serve your beautiful soft and fluffy orange cake. Enjoy!
How to Serve Soft & Fluffy Orange Cake
Serving your soft and fluffy orange cake can be a real treat. You can slice it into wedges and place them on dessert plates. For a lovely presentation, consider adding a sprinkle of orange zest on top or serving it with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even add fresh fruit or berries on the side for a splash of color.
How to Store Soft & Fluffy Orange Cake
To keep your soft and fluffy orange cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it. Make sure to let the cake come to room temperature before serving again. If you have leftover cake, you can also freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and it will last for about two months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Soft & Fluffy Orange Cake
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggs, milk, and oranges for the best flavor.
Measure Accurately: Baking is a science. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for a reliable result.
Don’t Overmix: While combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check the cakes for doneness. Insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean, the cakes are ready.
Cool Completely: Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting off.
Experiment with Flavors: You can add a dash of vanilla extract or different citrus fruits for a twist on the classic flavor.
Variations
There are many ways to tweak this recipe based on your preference. Here are a few ideas:
- Lemon Cake: Instead of orange juice and zest, use lemon juice and zest for a tangy lemon cake.
- Layered Cake: Add additional layers by baking more cake rounds and stacking them with frosting in between.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free cake option.
- Orange Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap out the butter for cream cheese in the frosting for a richer flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it properly and frost it just before serving.What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
This can happen if you overmix the batter or if the oven temperature is too low. Be sure to mix just until combined and ensure your oven is preheated correctly.Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
While fresh orange juice gives the best flavor, bottled orange juice can be used in a pinch. However, it may lack the vibrant taste of freshly squeezed juice.How can I make my frosting less sweet?
If you find the frosting too sweet, you can add a pinch of salt or a touch of cream cheese to balance the sweetness.Can I add more orange zest to the batter?
Absolutely! Adding more zest will enhance the orange flavor, just be cautious not to add too much, as it can make the batter too dry.
By following these simple steps and tips, you can create a delightful soft and fluffy orange cake that will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy your baking adventure, and share this delicious treat with everyone you love!
Print
Soft & Fluffy Orange Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful soft and fluffy orange cake with a burst of citrus flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two round cake pans.
- Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk until smooth.
- Add the fresh orange juice and orange zest, stirring until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and level the tops.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
- Let cakes cool in the pans before transferring to a wire rack.
- For frosting, beat the unsalted butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and orange juice until fluffy.
- Once cooled, frost the cakes and serve.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cake, orange cake, dessert, fluffy cake, citrus dessert