As a passionate cake baker, I’m always on the lookout for new ways to delight the taste buds and bring a touch of magic to my desserts.
One of my favorite creations is the Orange Vanilla Cake, a vibrant twist on a classic favorite. This cake combines the zesty brightness of fresh oranges with the comforting sweetness of vanilla, resulting in a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
The light, fluffy texture of the cake pairs beautifully with a simple orange glaze, creating a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just in need of a little pick-me-up, this Orange Vanilla Cake is sure to become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Vanilla Cake?
You’ll love this Orange Vanilla Cake for its perfect blend of vibrant citrus and classic vanilla flavors. The zesty orange juice and fresh zest infuse the cake with a refreshing twist, while the vanilla extract adds a comforting, familiar sweetness.
Its light, fluffy texture makes each bite a delightful experience, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special celebration or a simple afternoon treat.
With its easy preparation and impressive flavor profile, this cake will quickly become a go-to recipe for both family gatherings and casual get-togethers.
How To Prepare Orange Vanilla Cake?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories Per Servings: 300
Yield: 8 servings
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
● Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
● In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
● Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
● In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
● You can use an electric mixer for the best results, but a whisk will work too if you don’t mind a bit of extra elbow grease.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
● Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
● Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Incorporate Orange Juice and Zest
● Add the orange juice and zest to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.
● The zest will add a burst of fresh orange flavor.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
● Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk.
● Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix.
7. Bake
● Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
● Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes,or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Glaze
● Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes,then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
● Once cooled, mix the powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cake before serving.
Special Notes
1. For the most vibrant flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly grated orange zest.
2. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense, heavy cake.
3. Make sure the cake is completely cooled before applying the orange glaze. If the cake is still warm, the glaze may melt and run off, resulting in an uneven coating.
Serving Suggestions
1. With Fresh Fruit: Pair a slice of this Orange Vanilla Cake with fresh berries or slices of orange for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of elegance.
2. With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a rich, creamy contrast to the tangy glaze, making each bite even more delightful.
3. As a Tea Time Treat: Enjoy a slice with a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea. The citrus notes in the cake complement the floral hints in these teas perfectly.
Tips And Variations
1. Use a Different Citrus: Feel free to experiment with lemon or lime juice and zest for a different citrus twist. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor to the cake.
2. Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking. They’ll add a lovely texture and flavor.
3. Spice It Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom into the batter for a warm, spiced undertone that complements the orange and vanilla.
Tips For The Perfect Orange Vanilla Cake
➤ Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: For the best flavor, use fresh orange juice and zest rather than bottled juice.
➤ Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps in achieving a smoother batter.
➤ Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Conclusion
The Orange Vanilla Cake is a delightful fusion of vibrant citrus and classic vanilla flavors that offers a refreshing and indulgent treat.
Its light, airy texture combined with the tangy orange glaze makes it an irresistible choice for any occasion.
A special milestone or simply enjoying a sweet moment, this cake brings a burst of brightness to your table.
Easy to make yet sophisticated in flavor, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this delicious Orange Vanilla Cake and savor the perfect balance of zest and sweetness in every bite.
More Delicious Vanilla Cake Recipes
Best Almond Vanilla Cake Recipe
Vanilla Cake with Strawberry – A Delightful Treat
Easy Make French Vanilla Cake Mix Recipe
Vanilla Cake With Strawberry Frosting – A Delightful Treat
Orange Vanilla Cake
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest from about 1 large orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- ● Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- ● In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- ● Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- ● In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- ● You can use an electric mixer for the best results, but a whisk will work too if you don’t mind a bit of extra elbow grease.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- ● Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- ● Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Incorporate Orange Juice and Zest
- ● Add the orange juice and zest to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.
- ● The zest will add a burst of fresh orange flavor.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- ● Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk.
- ● Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix.
Bake
- ● Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- ● Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes,or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Glaze
- ● Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes,then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- ● Once cooled, mix the powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cake before serving.