Homemade Orange Juice Cake

This Homemade Orange Juice Cake is a deliciously moist and refreshing dessert that will brighten up any occasion. The combination of fresh orange juice and zest gives this cake a light, citrusy flavor, and the sweet glaze adds a delightful finishing touch. Whether you’re serving it with tea or as a sweet treat after dinner, this cake is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Add the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 slices
• Calorie Count: 350 kcal per slice

Variations

• Lemon Variation: Replace the orange juice and zest with lemon juice and zest for a zesty lemon version.
• Orange Almond Cake: Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the cake batter for a hint of almond flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter and substitute eggs with flax eggs to make it vegan-friendly.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep it fresh longer.
• Reheating: To enjoy warm, heat a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. You can also warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I freeze this cake?
   Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
2. What can I use instead of fresh orange juice?
   You can use bottled orange juice, but fresh juice gives the best flavor.
3. Can I make this cake without eggs?
   Yes, you can substitute each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
4. What’s the best way to zest an orange?
   Use a microplane or fine grater to remove the outer layer of the orange peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
5. Can I use a bundt pan instead of a round cake pan?
   Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time to 35-40 minutes.
6. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
   Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without affecting the texture too much.
7. What’s the best way to serve this cake?
   This cake is delicious on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
8. Can I add other fruits to this cake?
   You can fold in some chopped strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
9. What type of butter should I use?
   Unsalted butter is recommended to control the amount of salt in the recipe, but you can use salted butter if you prefer.
10. Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
    To make the glaze thicker, add more powdered sugar. To thin it out, add more orange juice a little at a time.

Conclusion

This Homemade Orange Juice Cake is a refreshing, citrus-infused dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its light, moist texture and sweet orange glaze make it a favorite for both casual and special gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this cake is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Serve it with tea or coffee, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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