Orange vanilla cake recipe is a moist, tender cake made from fresh orange juice, orange zest, yogurt, and vanilla. The flavor is bright, citrusy, and lightly sweet, balancing the richness of the eggs and oil.
Creating orange vanilla cake recipe and discovering new things is my real job, and this recipe highlights how natural ingredients create a delicate texture and fresh flavor.
The specialty of this orange vanilla cake recipe comes from the use of real orange and yogurt, enhancing moisture and softness. Optional additions include chopped nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips.
I will now show up and show step by step about this orange vanilla cake recipe.
Super Moist Orange Vanilla Cake Recipe
Super moist orange vanilla cake recipe blends bright citrus and warm vanilla flavors. All-purpose flour creates a tender crumb, while baking powder and baking soda help the cake rise lightly.
Salt enhances sweetness from granulated and brown sugars. Eggs provide structure, and vegetable oil keeps the texture soft. Yogurt or sour cream adds creaminess and subtle tang.
Fresh orange juice and zest give a fragrant, lively flavor. Vanilla extract deepens aroma, while powdered sugar glaze with orange juice adds a glossy, sweet finish. The cake feels light, airy, and refreshingly rich on the palate.
How To Prepare Orange Vanilla Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American-style baking
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: 10 slices
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or grater
- Citrus juicer
- 9-inch round
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 8 g baking powder
- 3 g baking soda
- 3 g salt
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 100 g brown sugar
- 3 large eggs (about 150 g without shell), room temperature
- 180 ml vegetable oil or 170 g melted butter
- 240 g plain yogurt or sour cream
- 120 ml fresh orange juice
- 20 g fresh orange zest
- 10 ml vanilla extract
For the Orange Glaze
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 30–45 ml fresh orange juice
- 2.5 ml vanilla extract
Instructions
1. First, set your oven to 175°C and let it heat up. Take a 9-inch cake pan, grease it well, and lightly dust it with flour so the cake doesn’t stick. Keep the pan ready.
2. In a large bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix them together well so everything is evenly blended.
3. In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and well mixed. Add the oil or melted butter, yogurt, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla. Stir until everything comes together evenly.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently and stop as soon as the batter is combined. Avoid over mixing to keep the cake soft.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. After baking, let the cake rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. Remove it carefully and allow it to cool. Mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla to make the glaze, then drizzle it over the cake. Cut into slices and serve.
Nutrition Facts Of Orange Vanilla Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Sugar | 32g |
| Fiber | 1.5g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
How It Works
✔ Leavening Agents: Baking powder and baking soda react with moisture and acid (from yogurt and orange juice) to produce carbon dioxide bubbles. These bubbles expand in the oven, making the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
✔ Sugars: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and structure, while brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor, helping the cake stay soft.
✔ Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, holding ingredients together, and also trap air, contributing to the cake’s airy texture.
✔ Oil/Yogurt: Oil and yogurt keep the cake moist. Unlike butter, oil stays liquid at room temperature, so the crumb remains soft and tender. Yogurt adds acidity, which reacts with baking soda for extra lift and a slight tang.
✔ Orange Juice and Zest: Fresh juice gives natural sweetness and moisture, while zest adds concentrated citrus aroma without extra liquid, enhancing the flavor.
✔ Glaze: Powdered sugar mixed with orange juice forms a thin, sweet coating that seeps slightly into the cake, adding brightness and a glossy finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this orange vanilla cake recipe because it is soft, moist, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. The combination of orange juice and zest creates a bright, fragrant aroma, while vanilla adds gentle warmth that balances the sweetness.
The texture is tender and airy, melting in the mouth without being dense or heavy. A simple orange glaze adds a glossy, flavorful finish that enhances every slice.
It’s easy to make with everyday ingredients, delivers reliable results, and leaves a lingering, natural sweetness that makes it both comforting and refreshing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the orange vanilla cake recipe on a decorative platter for a simple yet elegant presentation. Slice it into even pieces to showcase the moist, tender crumb.
Garnish lightly with a dusting of powdered sugar or finely grated orange zest to enhance its citrus aroma. The cake can also be served slightly warm, allowing the flavors to deepen and the glaze to glisten.
Pairing it with a neutral side, like a crisp cookie or a thin biscuit, adds a subtle textural contrast without overpowering the delicate orange and vanilla flavors.
Expert Baking Tips
1. Let eggs, yogurt, and any butter or oil sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. This helps the batter come together smoothly and prevents curdling.
2. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it with a knife instead of scooping directly. Too much flour can make the cake dry.
3. When combining wet and dry ingredients, fold gently until just combined. Over mixing develops gluten and can make the cake tough.
4. Use fresh orange juice and zest for the brightest flavor. Pre-packaged juice or dried zest won’t give the same vibrant taste.
5. Start testing the cake a few minutes before the recipe says. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
6. Pour the orange glaze over the cake when it’s slightly warm. This allows it to soak in lightly, giving a glossy finish and extra flavor without making the cake soggy.
Nutrition Benefits Of Orange Vanilla Cake Recipe
This orange vanilla cake recipe offers a mix of nutrients from its wholesome ingredients. Eggs and yogurt provide high-quality protein and calcium, supporting bone and muscle health.
The orange juice and zest contribute vitamin C, which boosts immunity and adds antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
Using a combination of granulated and brown sugar gives energy, while brown sugar also provides small amounts of minerals like potassium and iron.
Vegetable oil adds healthy fats that help absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Overall, the orange vanilla cake recipe delivers a lightly nourishing treat that balances natural flavors with gentle sweetness.
How To Make With More Delicious
➤ Add a touch of almond or orange extract – A small splash of almond extract or extra orange zest intensifies the aroma and deepens the flavor.
➤ Fold in small mix-ins – Tiny pieces of dark chocolate, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries add texture and bursts of extra flavor.
➤ Brush cake with orange syrup – After baking, brush the layers with a simple syrup made from orange juice and sugar to make the cake extra moist.
➤ Use browned butter instead of oil – Browning butter adds a nutty, caramel-like richness that enhances the overall taste.
➤ Layer and glaze generously – Slice the cake horizontally, spread a thin layer of yogurt or cream, and drizzle glaze between layers as well as on top for a more decadent experience.
Best Variations
◆ Chocolate Orange Cake – Add 30–50 g of cocoa powder to the flour and fold in mini chocolate chips for a rich chocolate-citrus version.
◆ Poppy Seed Orange Cake – Stir in 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds for a subtle crunch and nutty flavor that complements the citrus.
◆ Coconut Orange Cake – Fold 50 g of shredded coconut into the batter and sprinkle some on top of the glaze for a tropical twist.
◆ Spiced Orange Cake – Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients to give a warm, cozy flavor.
◆ Orange Almond Cake – Replace 30 g of flour with finely ground almonds or almond meal for a nutty taste and slightly denser texture.
Cake Storage
This orange vanilla cake recipe can be stored easily to keep it moist and flavorful. Once completely cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
At room temperature, orange vanilla cake recipe will stay fresh for up to 2–3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days, keeping it covered to maintain softness.
If you want to store it for weeks, wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs For Orange Vanilla Cake Recipe
Why did my cake turn out dense or heavy?
Too much liquid or old leavening can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy. Make sure to measure liquids carefully and check that your baking powder/soda is fresh.
Why does my orange cake sink in the middle?
This usually happens when the cake hasn’t baked long enough. Make sure the center is set before removing it.
How can I keep the cake moist?
Avoid over baking check a few minutes before the stated time and use ingredients like yogurt or sour cream to retain moisture.
Why is my orange cake too soft or soggy?
Too much liquid or cutting the cake before it cools fully can cause a soft or soggy texture. Cool completely on a wire rack first.
How long does homemade citrus cake last?
Homemade cake without preservatives typically stays fresh for about 2–3 days at room temperature when covered properly.
Conclusion
This super moist orange vanilla cake recipe is a delicious and lightly nourishing treat that everyone will enjoy. After making it, the soft, tender texture and bright citrus flavor brought smiles every time I served it.
I love how easy the method is to follow, and baking orange vanilla cake recipe has become a favorite for gatherings and casual treats alike. Sharing this recipe allows others to experience the same joy and satisfaction.
I hope my simple steps inspire you to try orange vanilla cake recipe yourself and enjoy every fragrant, flavorful slice.
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Orange Vanilla Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or grater
- Citrus juicer
- 9-inch round
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 8 g baking powder
- 3 g baking soda
- 3 g salt
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 100 g brown sugar
- 3 large eggs about 150 g without shell, room temperature
- 180 ml vegetable oil or 170 g melted butter
- 240 g plain yogurt or sour cream
- 120 ml fresh orange juice
- 20 g fresh orange zest
- 10 ml vanilla extract
For the Orange Glaze
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 30 –45 ml fresh orange juice
- 2.5 ml vanilla extract
Instructions
- First, set your oven to 175°C and let it heat up. Take a 9-inch cake pan, grease it well, and lightly dust it with flour so the cake doesn’t stick. Keep the pan ready.
- In a large bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix them together well so everything is evenly blended.
- In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and well mixed. Add the oil or melted butter, yogurt, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla. Stir until everything comes together evenly.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently and stop as soon as the batter is combined. Avoid over mixing to keep the cake soft.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- After baking, let the cake rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. Remove it carefully and allow it to cool. Mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla to make the glaze, then drizzle it over the cake. Cut into slices and serve.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Orange Vanilla Cake Recipe
Calories: 360 kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 15g | Sugar: 32g | Fiber: 1.5g | Sodium: 180mgHi! I’m Sophia, your trusted cake guide with years of hands-on baking experience. I’m passionate about creating delicious and wholesome cakes that bring happiness to every occasion and home. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and inspiration to make your baking journey enjoyable and rewarding. From classic flavors to healthy twists, my goal is to help you discover the joy of baking and sharing beautiful cakes with family and friends.