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
Scale
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.
