If you’re craving a dessert that’s bursting with bright, citrusy flavor yet delightfully moist and tender, this Orange Juice Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines the ease of a classic yellow cake mix with the fresh zing of orange juice and zest, all topped with a luscious, buttery orange glaze that seeps deep into every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this cake delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and tang with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Orange Juice Cake Recipe means gathering a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that play crucial roles in flavor, texture, and appearance. Each item is thoughtfully chosen to create a cake that’s wonderfully moist, vibrantly flavored, and perfectly golden.
- Yellow cake mix: The base of the cake, providing structure and a soft crumb.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds extra moisture and richness, ensuring your cake stays tender.
- Large eggs: Help bind the ingredients and add protein for texture.
- Orange juice: Imparts fresh citrus flavor and moisture, making this cake sing with brightness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering the flavor.
- Orange zest: Concentrates the citrus notes for an extra punch of aroma and taste.
- Unsalted butter (for the glaze): Creates a rich, creamy base for the glaze.
- Granulated sugar (for the glaze): Sweetens the glaze and balances the tartness of the orange juice.
- Vanilla extract (for the glaze): Adds warmth and deepens the overall flavor.
How to Make Orange Juice Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Pan and Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 10-cup Bundt pan to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, eggs, orange juice, vegetable oil, and fresh orange zest. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat everything together for about 2 minutes until the batter becomes smooth and well incorporated. This step ensures even distribution of all flavors and an airy texture.
Step 2: Baking the Cake
Pour the luscious batter evenly into your prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfectly baked when a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean, and the cake springs back lightly to the touch. The oven magic transforms the batter into a beautifully golden, fragrant cake that makes your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 3: Making the Orange Glaze
While the cake is baking, move on to the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and orange juice. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely, resulting in a glossy, syrupy glaze. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, introducing a subtle warmth that beautifully complements the citrus.
Step 4: Glazing the Cake
Once your cake is out of the oven, carefully use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake while it’s still in the pan. Slowly pour the warm glaze over the cake, allowing it to seep into every crevice created by the holes. Let the cake sit for 15 to 20 minutes to fully absorb the glaze, enhancing its moistness and flavor. When ready, invert the cake onto a serving plate and allow it to cool completely before slicing into those irresistible, orange-scented layers.
How to Serve Orange Juice Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, sprinkle some additional fresh orange zest on top or adorn the cake with thinly sliced candied oranges. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream pairs beautifully, adding a creamy contrast to the cake’s juicy brightness.
Side Dishes
Serve this Orange Juice Cake Recipe alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light, citrusy sorbet for an uplifting dessert course. A warm cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee also complements the cake’s sweet and tangy profile effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, drizzle extra glaze over individual slices and garnish with edible flowers or mint leaves. You could also cut the cake into mini Bundt cakes or muffins for a cute, portable treat perfect for parties or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days to maintain its moist texture. Avoid refrigeration, which can dry the cake out and dull those vibrant orange flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze this Orange Juice Cake Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature before serving for the best experience.
Reheating
To refresh the cake’s softness and warmth, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low-temperature oven wrapped loosely with foil. This will revive the cake’s delightful texture without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought orange juice for this recipe?
Absolutely, though fresh orange juice is preferred for its robust flavor and natural sweetness. If you only have store-bought juice, opt for 100% pure orange juice without added sugars or preservatives to get the best taste.
Is it okay to substitute other oils for vegetable oil?
Yes, neutral oils like canola or light olive oil work well. Avoid strong-flavored oils that might compete with the citrus notes, as the goal is to keep the orange flavor shining through.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
If you swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free version and double-check all other ingredients, you can enjoy a gluten-free Orange Juice Cake Recipe that remains delicious and moist.
How long does the glaze keep the cake moist?
The glaze seeps into the cake to lock in moisture, helping it stay wonderfully tender for at least 2 to 3 days when stored properly. This makes the cake ideal for preparing a day ahead of your event.
Can I add other citrus flavors?
Definitely! Adding lemon zest or a bit of lime juice enhances complexity, while a splash of orange extract in the glaze intensifies the orange essence further for an extra zing.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Juice Cake Recipe is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of sunny flavor and simple baking joy. It’s the kind of cake that brightens your day with each bite and invites you to share its happiness with family and friends. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how easy and delightful homemade citrus cake can be!
Print
Orange Juice Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Orange Juice Cake is a moist and flavorful Bundt cake infused with fresh citrus notes from orange juice and zest. Enhanced with instant vanilla pudding mix for extra softness, it features a deliciously sticky orange glaze poured over warm cake, soaking into every bite. Perfect for a refreshing dessert or afternoon treat, it’s easy to prepare and wonderfully aromatic, capturing the essence of fresh oranges in every slice.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 box (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a 10-cup Bundt pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, eggs, orange juice, vegetable oil, and orange zest. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the ingredients together for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and uniformly blended.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake bakes, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and orange juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is baked, use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the top. Slowly pour the warm glaze over the hot cake while it is still in the pan, allowing the glaze to seep into the holes and infuse the cake with flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake sit for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the glaze fully. Then carefully invert the Bundt pan onto a serving plate. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For an extra citrusy boost, add a bit of lemon zest to the batter or glaze.
- Swap in orange extract for the vanilla extract in the glaze to intensify the orange flavor.
- This cake tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld and develop.
