Citrus-Lover’s Cake | Easy Fresh Orange Cake
This orange-infused cake is such a delightful treat! It’s dense and moist, combining tangy yogurt with sweet oranges. Perfect for Easter dessert, Mother’s Day, or an afternoon snack, this cake is bound to bring a smile.
- Serves: 10
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of plain Greek Yogurt
- ½ cup of sugar
- 3 eggs (large)
- ¼ cup of vegetable oil
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp of orange zest
- 2 Tbsp of orange juice
- 1½ tsp of baking powder
- salt (pinch)
Orange Sugar Syrup
- ¾ cup of sugar
- ⅓ cup of orange juice
- 1-1½ of orange liqueur
- 2-3 fresh oranges, thinly sliced
Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍊 Fresh orange flavor in every bite
🍊 Moist and tender texture
🍊 Easy homemade citrus dessert
🍊 Perfect for spring and summer entertaining
🍊 Great for brunch, holidays, and family gatherings
🍊 Simple ingredients with beautiful results
🍊 This fresh citrus cake is proof that sometimes the simplest desserts are the most memorable.
Step-by-Step Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350º F.
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or loaf pan with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking with a fork. Pour the batter into the prepared cake can and smooth the top (the batter will have a thick consistency).
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
*Caution: The oven will be hot!
Allow the cake to cool for ten minutes in the pan before transferring it to a cake platter or a wire rack to garnish.
Step 3: While the cake is cooling, make the orange syrup.
Add the orange juice, liqueur (if using), and sugar to a large pot and bring to a low simmer until the sugar dissolves.
Add the orange slices and simmer until they are soft.
Carefully remove the orange slices to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Using a wooden skewer, poke holes in the top of the cooled cake.
Carefully drizzle the orange syrup over the top.
You may not need all the syrup. Then garnish the top of the cake with the softened orange slices.
Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or mascarpone cheese.
Simply Made Tips…
🍊 Use fresh citrus whenever possible. Fresh orange juice and zest provide a brighter, more natural flavor than bottled juice.
🍊 Don’t skip the zest. Orange zest adds concentrated citrus flavor and helps make the cake extra fragrant.
🍊 Let the cake cool before slicing. This allows the crumb to set properly and makes for cleaner slices.
🍊 Add a simple glaze. For even more citrus flavor, drizzle the cooled cake with a quick orange glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice.
🍊 Try a citrus blend. Mix oranges, lemons, or mandarins for a more complex citrus flavor profile.
🍊 Store properly. Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
🍊 Serve with coffee or tea. The bright citrus flavor pairs perfectly with a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon tea break.
🍊 Make it for special occasions. This cake is ideal for Easter brunch, Mother’s Day, baby showers, spring gatherings, and summer celebrations.
🍊 The cake is best eaten fresh. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Before You Go…
If you enjoyed this Citrus-Lover’s Cake, here are a few more recipes we think you’ll love:
🍋 Easy lemon drop martinis for citrus fans
🍊 Favorite desserts perfect for spring and summer
☕ Coffee cake recipes that pair perfectly with your morning brew
🌸 Brunch recipes for Mother’s Day, Easter, and weekend gatherings
🍰 Simple homemade cakes using Bisquick that look impressive but are easy to make.
Citrus-Lover’s Cake
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pan or loaf pan
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup plain Greek Yogurt
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 eggs (large)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp orange zest
- 2 Tbsp orange juice
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- salt (pinch)
Orange Sugar Syrup
- ¾ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup orange juice
- 1-1½ oz orange liqueur
- 2-3 oranges thinly sliced into circles (leave the peel on)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350º F.
- Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or loaf pan with nonstick spray.
- Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking with a fork
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake can and smooth the top (the batter will have a thick consistency).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for ten minutes in the pan before transferring it to a cake platter or a wire rack to garnish.
- While the cake is cooling, make the orange syrup. Add the orange juice, liqueur, (if using), and sugar to a large pot and bring to a low simmer until the sugar dissolves. Add the orange slices and simmer until they are soft.
- Once the oranges are soft, carefully remove the orange slices to a plate and set aside.
- Using a wooden skewer, poke holes in the top of the cooled cake. Carefully drizzle the orange syrup over the top. You may not need all the syrup.
- Then garnish the top of the cake with the softened orange slices. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or mascarpone cheese.
- *Caution: The oven will be hot!
Nutrition
Disclaimer: All nutrition values are per serving and approximate. They will vary depending on products and quantities used.
