Orange Bundt CakeThere’s something uniquely comforting about the scent of a freshly baked cake wafting through the house. For me, it takes me back to my childhood, to weekends spent at my grandmother’s kitchen where we would gather around the table, the bright citrus notes of an orange cake filling the air. This orange bundt cake recipe, handed down from my grandmother, has been a family favorite for years. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, citrusy flavor with a soft, tender crumb that makes every bite a delight. Whether it’s for a special occasion, a family gathering, or simply a cozy weekend treat, this cake is always a winner. And best of all? It’s surprisingly easy to make!
What is Orange Bundt Cake?
An orange bundt cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that is baked in a bundt pan, which gives it that beautiful, ring-shaped appearance. The cake is typically flavored with orange zest and juice, creating a delightful citrusy sweetness that pairs perfectly with a light, fluffy texture. It’s often topped with a glaze or dusted with powdered sugar, making it not only delicious but visually stunning as well.
The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity. It’s made with common pantry ingredients but manages to offer a refreshing and satisfying twist with the vibrant citrus flavor. The bundt pan, with its unique shape, ensures even baking and adds a touch of elegance to any dessert spread.
Why You’ll Love This
This orange bundt cake is a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a brunch, bringing a dessert to a family gathering, or just indulging in something sweet on a weeknight. The recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for busy home cooks. With only a few simple ingredients, you can create a show-stopping cake that tastes like it came from a bakery.
The lightness of the cake, combined with the burst of citrus flavor, makes it both refreshing and indulgent at the same time. Plus, it’s kid-friendly! My kids absolutely love helping me zest the oranges and pouring the glaze on top. It’s the kind of recipe that will become a staple in your family’s dessert rotation.
How to Make Orange Bundt Cake
Ingredients
To make this simple yet delicious orange bundt cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice (from about 1 orange)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your bundt pan to ensure the cake comes out easily once it’s done baking. - Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. - Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. - Add the Eggs and Flavorings
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once all the eggs are incorporated, mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract. If you’re using orange liqueur, add that in as well for an extra depth of flavor. - Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream and orange juice. Start with the dry ingredients and finish with them, mixing gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix. - Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. - Prepare the Glaze
While the cake is cooling, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl. The glaze should be smooth and slightly runny. - Glaze the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the orange glaze over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing.
What to Serve With
This orange bundt cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, pair wonderfully with the citrus flavor, adding a burst of sweetness and color to the dessert.
If you’re hosting a brunch, this cake goes beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. It also makes a great dessert after a light dinner or a savory meal like roasted chicken or grilled salmon.
Top Tips for Orange Bundt Cake Recipe
- Zesting the Orange: Be sure to zest your orange before juicing it. This ensures you get all the flavorful oils from the peel without losing any juice in the process.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently to avoid overworking the batter, which can result in a dense cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before starting. This helps the ingredients incorporate more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.
Storing and Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), store the orange bundt cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or pop the whole cake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the day after it’s made, as the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container.
Can I use a different citrus?
Absolutely! While orange is the star of this cake, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like lemon, lime, or grapefruit for a fun twist.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it at room temperature and drizzle with glaze.
Can I make this without sour cream?
Yes, if you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk. This will still result in a moist and tender cake.
Conclusion
This orange bundt cake recipe is one that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s bright, flavorful, and simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights, weekend baking projects, or even special occasions. The moist texture and refreshing citrus flavor will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). So next time you’re looking for something sweet to brighten up your day, give this cake a try—you won’t regret it!
Enjoy baking and, more importantly, sharing it with the ones you love.
Orange Bundt Cake Recipe
Kochutensilien
- Bundt pan
- Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer)
- Whisk
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice from about 1 orange
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange liqueur optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting, optional
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Anleitungen
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a bundt pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavor: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream and orange juice. Mix gently to combine.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest to make the glaze.
- Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set before serving.