Why Make This Recipe
Soft & Fluffy Orange Cake is a dessert that combines the freshness of oranges with a light, airy texture. This cake is not just about great flavor; it also brings a lovely brightness to any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, a family gathering, or simply a weekend treat, this cake is sure to impress.
The combination of sweet and tangy orange, along with a fluffy texture, makes this cake a favorite among many. Plus, the recipe is quite simple, allowing even novice bakers to create something remarkable.
How to Make Soft & Fluffy Orange Cake
Making Soft & Fluffy Orange Cake is a delightful experience. Follow these straightforward steps to bake your very own cake.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Soft & Fluffy Orange Cake, gather the following 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
Here is how to bake the cake:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two round cake pans with parchment paper. This will help the cakes come out easily when they are baked.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix them well so that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Beat the Butter and Eggs: In another bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes creamy. Once the butter is creamy, add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg is added.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and eggs, alternating with the milk. Start with some dry ingredients, then add some milk, and continue this way until everything is well combined and smooth.
Add Orange Flavor: Stir in the fresh orange juice and orange zest. This will give your cake that lovely citrus aroma and flavor.
Prepare the Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Level the tops with a spatula to ensure they bake evenly.
Bake the Cakes: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cakes. If it comes out clean, your cakes are ready.
Cool the Cakes: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For Frosting
Beat the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter for the frosting until it is smooth.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar. Mix it in until there are no lumps, and the frosting is creamy.
Add Orange Juice: Finally, mix in the fresh orange juice until the frosting is spreadable and fluffy.
How to Serve Soft & Fluffy Orange Cake
Serving Soft & Fluffy Orange Cake is as easy as slicing and offering it to your guests. You can serve it plain, or you can add a generous layer of frosting on top and between the layers. Consider adding some extra orange zest on top of the frosting for a beautiful finish.
You can also pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the flavors. For a special touch, garnish with a few slices of fresh orange or mint leaves for added color and freshness.
How to Store Soft & Fluffy Orange Cake
Once your cake is made, you might wonder how to store it properly.
At Room Temperature: If the cake is unfrosted, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will last for about 2-3 days.
Frosted Cake: If your cake is already frosted, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This helps keep the frosting fresh, and the cake will be good for up to a week.
Freezing: You can also freeze Soft & Fluffy Orange Cake if you want to make it ahead of time. Wrap each layer securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting or serving.
Tips to Make Soft & Fluffy Orange Cake
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smooth batter and results in a fluffier cake.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor. This will enhance the cake’s taste and aroma.
Testing for Doneness: If you are unsure if the cake is done, use the toothpick method. A clean toothpick means it is baked through.
Variation
While this recipe is delightful as is, you can easily make some variations:
- Chocolate Orange Cake: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate-orange twist.
- Lemon Zest: Substitute lemon zest for orange zest for a lemony flavor.
- Mixed Citrus: Use a blend of orange, lemon, and lime juices and zests for a vibrant citrus cake.
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
While fresh orange juice is preferable for flavor, you can use bottled orange juice in a pinch. However, the taste may not be as vibrant.
2. How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cakes ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container or wrap them well to keep them fresh and moist.
4. Is it necessary to frost the cake?
Frosting is optional. The cake is delicious on its own, but frosting adds a creamy, sweet touch that is lovely.
5. Can I use a different type of flour?
You can use cake flour for a softer texture, but all-purpose flour works well for this recipe too.
By following this straightforward guide, you can create a Soft & Fluffy Orange Cake that brings joy and a burst of flavor to your table. Enjoy the baking process, and most importantly, enjoy sharing this delightful cake with family and friends!
Print
Soft & Fluffy Orange Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert that combines the freshness of oranges with a light, airy texture, making it 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 your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Beat the softened butter until creamy, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and eggs, alternating with milk.
- Stir in the fresh orange juice and orange zest.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat unsalted butter, add powdered sugar, and mix in fresh orange juice.
- Serve the cake plain or frosted, optionally garnishing with orange zest or slices.
Notes
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Fresh orange juice and zest enhance the flavor significantly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: orange cake, dessert, baking, soft cake, fluffy cake, cake recipe