Orange Juice Cake Recipe

Moist, zesty, and bursting with bright citrus flavors, Orange Juice Cake is the sunshine-laden dessert you never knew you needed in your life. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll create a golden Bundt cake infused with sweet orange juice, topped with a buttery glaze that soaks into every crumb. Whether you’re celebrating special occasions or just want a slice of pure happiness with your afternoon tea, this Orange Juice Cake will quickly become your go-to. Every bite is like a joyful splash of sunshine, and you won’t believe how ridiculously easy it is!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s almost magical how such simple ingredients come together for the irresistible flavor and tender texture of Orange Juice Cake. Each one plays an essential role—do not skip any, and feel free to add your own twist!

• Yellow cake mix: This shortcut classic is the foundation for a fluffy, moist cake base and lets you whip this recipe together in minutes.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds extra moisture and a silkier crumb, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Large eggs: These give richness, structure, and help the cake rise perfectly every time.
• Orange juice: The key flavor star! Freshly squeezed or store-bought, it brings that unmistakable sweet-tart citrus burst.
• Vegetable oil: Contributes to a soft, moist texture without overpowering the cake’s delicate flavors.
• Granulated sugar: Gives just enough extra sweetness and helps the cake caramelize as it bakes.
• Orange zest (optional): For those who love even more zing, zest adds fragrant, vibrant notes that elevate the whole cake.
• For the glaze: A blend of orange juice, powdered sugar, and unsalted butter creates a glossy, sweet-tart drizzle that makes this cake extra special.

How to Make Orange Juice Cake

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Before you do anything else, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give your Bundt pan some love—grease it generously (get into all those little nooks!), so your Orange Juice Cake slips out easily. This small step is crucial for a show-stopping presentation.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, eggs, orange juice, oil, granulated sugar, and the orange zest if you’re feeling extra citrusy. Grab your electric mixer and beat everything on medium speed for about 2 minutes. The batter should look velvety and well-combined—this already smells incredible!

Step 3: Bake

Pour your luscious batter evenly into the prepared pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the thickest part comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Your kitchen will fill with the sweetest aroma—it’s hard not to peek!

Step 4: Make the Glaze

While the cake bakes, create that signature sticky glaze by gently heating orange juice, powdered sugar, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely. This warm mixture will soak into all the crevices of your Orange Juice Cake, infusing it with sweet citrus flavor.

Step 5: Glaze and Soak

When the cake is done, remove it from the oven but keep it in the pan. Using a skewer or fork, poke small holes all over the surface—don’t be shy! Slowly pour the warm glaze over the top, letting it seep into the cake for ultimate moistness. Let the cake rest for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb every last drop.

Step 6: Unmold and Cool

Carefully turn the cake out onto a serving plate. The transformation is always magical—the glossy glaze, the golden color, the intoxicating scent. Allow it to cool completely before slicing, which helps keep each wedge perfectly intact. The hardest part is waiting!

How to Serve Orange Juice Cake

Garnishes

For a little something extra, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with additional glaze. A sprinkling of fresh orange zest on top looks gorgeous and tells guests exactly what flavor awaits them. Edible flowers or sugared citrus slices also make stunning, easy touches.

Side Dishes

Serve slices of Orange Juice Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a brunch spread, try pairing it with a medley of fresh berries—strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries all work beautifully with the citrus notes. A mug of black tea or fresh coffee brings it all together.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut the cake into cubes and skewer with fresh fruit for an easy-to-eat treat. You can also plate individual slices with a swirl of orange marmalade or a spoonful of Greek yogurt. If you’re feeling playful, stack layers of cake with whipped cream and orange segments for a showstopping trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Orange Juice Cake keeps wonderfully moist—just wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavor deepens overnight, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

If you want to save some cake for later, let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole cake (unglazed is best) in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, then glaze or dust with powdered sugar.

Reheating

To restore that just-baked tenderness, microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds, or warm larger pieces in a 300°F oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 10 minutes. The aroma will perk up beautifully, and the glaze stays luscious.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought orange juice, or does it have to be fresh?

Both fresh and store-bought orange juice work perfectly for Orange Juice Cake! Fresh juice brings a little extra zing, but the cake still turns out absolutely delicious with a good-quality bottled variety.

What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?

No problem at all. You can bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan or two 8-inch rounds—just keep an eye on the bake time, as it may be slightly shorter. The magic is in the moist batter and citrus glaze!

Can I make Orange Juice Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure your pudding mix is also gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go.

Is there a way to make the cake more intensely orange?

Absolutely. Pick a cake mix with added orange flavor, use an extra teaspoon of orange zest, or even add a few drops of orange extract to maximize the citrus presence. You can also finish with more zest or candied orange slices.

Can I replace the oil with butter?

Vegetable oil makes this cake super moist, but melted butter can be used for a slightly richer, denser crumb. Both options are tasty—it’s all about personal preference!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Orange Juice Cake enough—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, it’s the kind of recipe that brings instant joy and sunshine into your kitchen. Give it a try, and you’ll see why everyone falls in love with its bright flavors and dreamy texture. Happy baking!

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