There is something incredibly comforting and vibrant about this Orange Juice Cake Recipe that makes it an absolute favorite in my kitchen. Imagine a soft, moist Bundt cake infused with the bright, tangy sweetness of fresh orange juice, beautifully balanced with a luscious vanilla pudding mix that keeps every bite tender. This cake isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a joyful celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony to create a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Orange Juice Cake Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that you likely already have on hand, but don’t let their simplicity fool you. Each component plays a key role in crafting the cake’s tempting texture, fresh orange flavor, and irresistible moist crumb.
- Yellow cake mix: The base provides a tender, fluffy structure and a familiar comforting flavor.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds extra moisture and a silky texture that keeps the cake wonderfully soft.
- Large eggs: They bind everything together and give the cake its rich body.
- Orange juice (fresh or bottled): The star ingredient infuses the cake with refreshing citrus brightness and moistness.
- Vegetable oil: Helps maintain the cake’s moisture without weighing it down.
- Water: Lights up the batter ensuring a perfect consistency for baking.
- Orange zest (optional): Adds an extra punch of fragrant citrus oil, enhancing the overall aroma.
- Powdered sugar: For the glaze, contributing sweetness and a smooth finish.
- Unsalted butter (melted): In the glaze, it enriches flavor and helps create a glossy, irresistible coating.
How to Make Orange Juice Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 10-cup Bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray — this ensures your cake releases smoothly and has those beautiful ridges we all love in a Bundt cake.
Step 2: Combine the Batter Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, eggs, ¾ cup orange juice, vegetable oil, water, and optional orange zest. Using a hand mixer set on medium speed, beat everything for about 2 minutes. You want a smooth, well-combined batter that holds a promise of the moistness and flavor about to come.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling that moist perfection inside.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, ¼ cup orange juice, and melted butter until smooth. This glaze will create that irresistible sticky sweetness that seeps into every nook and cranny of the cake as it cools.
Step 5: Glaze and Cool
Once the cake is out of the oven, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, invert it onto a wire rack or serving plate. While still warm, spoon the glaze slowly over the top, letting it soak in and amplify the citrusy magic. Let the cake cool all the way through before slicing to enjoy that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Serve Orange Juice Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of fresh orange zest or some thinly sliced candied orange peel makes for a bright, pretty garnish that intensifies the citrus charm. For a touch of sophistication, dust a bit of powdered sugar over the cooled glaze just before serving.
Side Dishes
Serve slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement the cake’s tangy sweetness. A fresh berry salad or a citrus fruit medley on the side adds a refreshing contrast that’s perfect for brunch or afternoon tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Orange Juice Cake Recipe into mini Bundt cakes using a muffin tin for personal portions that are perfect for parties. Or drizzle a little extra glaze mixed with some orange liqueur for an adult twist. For gatherings, stack the slices with layers of mascarpone and fresh orange segments to create a stunning cake parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cake, store the leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. The Orange Juice Cake Recipe holds its moist texture beautifully for up to three days, staying fresh and flavorful every time you reach for another slice.
Freezing
If you want to keep this cake longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It freezes wonderfully for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked warmth, or serve at room temperature for a perfectly moist experience. Adding a teaspoon of extra glaze or a bit of butter on top before warming enhances the cake’s lusciousness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of bottled?
Absolutely! Fresh-squeezed orange juice gives the cake the brightest, most authentic citrus flavor. However, bottled orange juice works just fine if fresh isn’t available — just be sure it’s 100% juice to keep that fresh taste.
What makes this Orange Juice Cake Recipe so moist?
The combination of instant vanilla pudding mix and vegetable oil creates an incredibly tender crumb, while the orange juice adds vibrant flavor and juiciness, keeping the cake moist for days.
Is the orange zest really necessary?
While optional, orange zest adds a wonderful burst of citrus aroma that enhances the orange juice flavor beautifully. If you want a more pronounced orange flavor, it’s definitely worth including.
Can I use a different pan instead of a Bundt pan?
You can bake this cake in a 9×13-inch pan as an alternative. Just adjust the baking time accordingly and check doneness with a toothpick since it might bake faster in a shallower dish.
How long does the glaze stay fresh on the cake?
The glaze softens as it soaks into the cake, adding a sweet, citrusy finish. It’s best to glaze the cake just before serving, but the glaze-hydrated cake keeps well covered for a couple of days without drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Juice Cake Recipe is one of those wonderful classics that always brings a smile and a sense of home. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake’s moist texture, vibrant citrus flavor, and easy preparation make it a timeless delight. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a favorite in your recipe collection too!
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Orange Juice Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Orange Juice Cake is a moist and flavorful Bundt cake that combines the tangy brightness of fresh orange juice with the rich texture of yellow cake and vanilla pudding mixes. Finished with a smooth orange glaze, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for gatherings or as a sweet everyday treat.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 10-cup Bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, eggs, 3/4 cup orange juice, vegetable oil, water, and orange zest if using. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1/4 cup orange juice, and melted butter in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Cool and Glaze Cake: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a wire rack or serving plate. While the cake is still warm, slowly spoon the glaze over the top, allowing it to soak in for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Serve: Let the glazed cake cool completely before slicing. Serve and enjoy this moist, citrus-flavored treat.
Notes
- Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for the best citrus flavor; bottled juice works fine as a substitute.
- Add 1 tablespoon of orange liqueur to the glaze for an adult twist.
- This cake keeps moist for several days when stored properly and can be made a day ahead for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
