Old-Fashioned Orange Cake: A Slice of Sunshine You Can Bake
Are you ready to sprinkle a little sunshine into your day? Old-Fashioned Orange Cake is the perfect recipe for those busy afternoons when you need a sweet pick-me-up! Whether you’re looking to impress at a family gathering or simply indulge in a slice with your afternoon tea, this cake is here to brighten your day. Plus, it comes together quickly and easily, making it an accessible delight for everyone—no need to be a master baker!
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Orange Cake
This isn’t your ordinary cake; it’s like a burst of citrus joy wrapped in fluffy goodness! The incredible thing about old-fashioned recipes is they carry a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of simple times spent in the kitchen, surrounded by loved ones. Just imagine that heavenly aroma filling your home as the cake bakes—it’s like a warm hug from grandma! So grab your apron, and let’s get to it!
Ingredients
You won’t need any wild ingredients for this delightful cake—just some pantry staples and a few fresh oranges! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Zest of 2 oranges
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions: Baking the Perfect Cake
Alright, let’s roll up those sleeves and get baking! Here are the steps to make this delicious old-fashioned orange cake.
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Preheat the Oven: Let’s start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This might seem like a minor detail, but trust me, it sets the stage for your cake to rise beautifully!
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Prepare the Baking Pan: Lightly grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will help ensure your cake comes out effortlessly—no one likes a stick-y situation.
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Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until it’s nice and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Add in those eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Sprinkle in the zest of those gorgeous oranges, add the orange juice, and the vanilla extract.
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Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Mix It Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—this isn’t a wrestling match!
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Pour and Bake: Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans. Pop them into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool It Down: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Don’t be tempted to skip this step—patience is key!
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Frost and Enjoy: Once cool, frost with your favorite icing—cream cheese frosting works like a charm! Feel free to add some orange zest on top for an extra zesty finish.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Old-Fashioned Orange Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to create a better texture.
- Zest with Caution: When zesting oranges, avoid the bitter white pith. Just the outer layer is gold!
- Don’t Over Mix: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake—no one wants that!
- Storage: If you happen to have leftover cake (seriously, how?!), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
FAQ about Old-Fashioned Orange Cake
Can I substitute the fresh orange juice?
Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh juice, you can use store-bought orange juice. However, fresh juice gives that extra oomph we love!
How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers? What leftovers? Just kidding! You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to prolong freshness.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll be delicious for up to three months!
As I whip up this Old-Fashioned Orange Cake, I can’t help but remember the first time I made it with my sister Patricia. It became our go-to recipe for family celebrations, and its delightful aroma brought everyone rushing to the kitchen. It’s amazing how a simple cake can create such wonderful memories, doesn’t it?
So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and bake up this loveliness today! I promise this Old-Fashioned Orange Cake will bring not only a literal taste of sunshine to your table but also joy to the hearts of those you share it with.
For more delightful baking ideas, check out my guide on Baking with Citrus or Essential Baking Tips for Home Cooks to elevate your baking skills. Happy baking!
Meta Description
Old-Fashioned Orange Cake is the perfect recipe for busy days! Quick, easy, and delicious, this cake will brighten your table. Try it today!
Old-Fashioned Orange Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture; mix until just combined.
- Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cool, frost with your favorite icing, such as cream cheese frosting. Optionally, add some orange zest on top for an extra zesty finish.