Go Back
Orange Juice Cake

Orange Juice Cake

Mira
This Orange Juice Cake is bright, buttery, and incredibly moist thanks to fresh orange juice in both the batter and the glaze. Soaked with a sweet citrus syrup, this easy orange juice cake recipe delivers bold flavor and a tender crumb perfect for brunch, holidays, or everyday dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices

Ingredients
  

  • Cake Batter:
  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
  • Orange Glaze Syrup:
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions
 

  • Prep
  • Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  • Grease and flour a bundt pan or 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  • Zest oranges before juicing.
  • Cream Butter & Sugar
  • In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  • Add Eggs & Flavor
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • Stir in vanilla, almond extract (if using), and orange zest.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients
  • In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Mix Batter
  • Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture.
  • Slowly mix in fresh orange juice until just combined.
  • Do not overmix.
  • Bake
  • Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
  • Bake 60–75 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Prepare Glaze
  • In a saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, and butter.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer and stir until sugar dissolves.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Soak the Cake
  • Let cake cool in pan for 10–15 minutes.
  • Poke small holes across the surface using a skewer.
  • Slowly pour warm glaze over the cake.
  • Allow glaze to soak fully before removing from pan.

Notes

  • Fresh orange juice gives the best flavor.
  • Cream butter and sugar thoroughly for a light texture.
  • Do not skip the glaze—this ensures moisture.
  • If cake browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  • Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Keyword Orange Juice Cake