If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that bursts with bright, zesty flavor yet comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients, this Orange Juice Cake Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine a moist, tender Bundt cake infused with the fresh tang of orange juice and finished with a luscious glaze that seeps into every bite. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate, perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring with a quiet cup of tea. Once you try this Orange Juice Cake Recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to when you want a special treat that’s both effortless and unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Orange Juice Cake Recipe is straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen to build a perfectly balanced dessert. From the vibrant orange juice that adds fresh citrus flavor to the instant pudding mix that keeps the cake delectably moist, every addition plays a crucial role.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides the cake’s base with a classic, tender crumb and golden color.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds moisture and a subtle creaminess to keep the cake ultra-soft.
- Large eggs: Help bind everything together and give structure to the cake.
- Orange juice (preferably fresh): Delivers the signature bright, citrus punch that makes this cake unforgettable.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the texture moist and tender without weighing the cake down.
- Orange zest: Intensifies the orange flavor with a fragrant, aromatic twist.
- Unsalted butter (for glaze): Creates a rich base for the sweet glaze that soaks into the cake.
- Granulated sugar (for glaze): Sweetens the glaze while balancing the citrus tang.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds warmth and depth to the glaze’s flavor profile.
How to Make Orange Juice Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a 10-cup Bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray. This step is essential to ensure your Orange Juice Cake releases easily once baked and maintains its beautiful shape.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and instant vanilla pudding mix. Crack in the eggs, then pour in the orange juice and vegetable oil. Add the orange zest last. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat everything together for about 2 minutes until the batter is perfectly smooth and homogenous. This ensures the flavors meld well and the texture will be delightfully consistent.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the luscious batter evenly into your prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Place it into the oven and let it bake for 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This baking time creates a tender crumb with just the right hint of springiness.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake is in the oven, start on the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the granulated sugar and orange juice. Keep stirring until the butter melts completely and the sugar dissolves, creating a smooth syrup. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract for a touch of aromatic warmth that complements the citrus perfectly.
Step 5: Glaze the Cake
When your cake is fresh from the oven and still hot, gently poke holes all over the top with a skewer or fork. Slowly pour the warm glaze over the cake, letting it seep into every crevice. This little step is what transforms the cake into a moist, flavorful masterpiece. Let the cake absorb the glaze for 15–20 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a serving plate. Allow it to cool completely before slicing to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Orange Juice Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Orange Juice Cake Recipe really pop, try garnishing with a few fresh orange slices or candied orange peel. A sprinkling of powdered sugar also adds a delicate finish that’s visually appealing and subtly sweet. If you’re feeling festive, a few mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream can add another layer of freshness.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a light cup of tea, rich coffee, or even a chilled glass of milk. For brunch gatherings, consider serving it alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a creamy yogurt parfait for a balanced contrast that brightens the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping dessert, place your Orange Juice Cake on a cake stand surrounded by citrus zest curls or edible flowers. You could also slice it into smaller pieces for an elegant tea party spread or layer it with fresh fruit and whipped cream for an inspired trifle twist that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Orange Juice Cake in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist and flavorful. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week without losing that sunset-orange charm.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Orange Juice Cake Recipe around for longer, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer bag. It will hold for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to preserve its soft, moist texture.
Reheating
To revive a slice of chilled or leftover cake, warm it gently in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. This brings back the fresh-baked warmth and enhances the aroma. Avoid overheating to keep the glaze from melting away completely.
FAQs
Can I use frozen orange juice for this Orange Juice Cake Recipe?
Yes, frozen orange juice works fine as long as it’s fully thawed. Fresh orange juice offers the brightest flavor, but frozen juice still provides the essential citrusy zing needed for this cake.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarian diets?
Absolutely! This Orange Juice Cake Recipe contains no meat products. Just be sure all your ingredients, like pudding mix or cake mix, align with your vegetarian preferences.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can try substituting the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free alternative, but results may vary. Make sure the pudding mix and other ingredients are also gluten-free for the best outcome.
How important is the instant pudding mix in this recipe?
The instant pudding mix is key to making the cake incredibly moist and tender. It adds a subtle creaminess that elevates the texture beyond a standard cake mix.
Can I swap the vegetable oil for butter?
While you can use melted butter instead of vegetable oil, the oil helps keep the cake moist without making it too dense. Butter might add richer flavor but can change the texture slightly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a cake that combines ease, flavor, and a touch of citrus brilliance, and this Orange Juice Cake Recipe hits every mark. From its bright orange zest to the silky glaze soaking into every nook, it’s a reminder that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. I cannot recommend enough giving this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming your favorite way to share a sweet moment with those you love.
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, flavorful dessert that combines the bright citrus notes of fresh orange juice and zest with a tender yellow cake base enhanced by instant vanilla pudding. Finished with a luscious orange glaze, this Bundt cake is perfect for any occasion and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
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
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 10-cup Bundt pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Mix Batter: In a large 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 for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and fully blended.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it out smoothly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake bakes, combine butter, granulated sugar, and orange juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract to finish the glaze.
- Apply the Glaze: Once the cake is done, immediately poke holes in the top with a skewer or fork. Slowly pour the warm glaze over the hot cake while it remains in the pan, allowing it to soak in the flavorful mixture.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake sit for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the glaze fully. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate and allow it to cool completely before slicing to serve.
Notes
- For an extra citrusy boost, add a bit of lemon zest to the batter or glaze.
- Try substituting orange extract for the vanilla extract in the glaze for a more intense orange flavor.
- This cake tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
