If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with something sweet, fresh, and vibrantly flavorful, this Whole Orange Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine biting into a moist, fragrant cake where the bright, natural zing of whole oranges shines through every slice. It’s effortless yet special, blending the juicy sweetness of real oranges with a tender crumb that’s perfectly balanced by a hint of olive oil. This recipe is a celebration of simplicity done right, easy to whip up, and bursting with sunshine on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Whole Orange Cake Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each component plays an essential role, from adding moisture and flavor to achieving that gorgeous golden color and soft texture.
- 2 medium seedless oranges: Using whole oranges, skin and all, provides an intense, natural citrus flavor and moist texture without artificial extracts.
- 3 large eggs: Eggs bind the cake together and add a lovely richness.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetness that balances the citrus tang perfectly.
- 1/2 cup olive oil: Adds moisture and a subtle fruity depth, replacing butter for a lighter finish.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the soft, tender crumb that makes this cake so satisfying.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully for a light texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
How to Make Whole Orange Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oranges
First things first, wash those seedless oranges really well since you’ll be using the whole fruit including the peel. Cut them into chunks and remove any seeds you find. Keeping the peel is key because it’s where a lot of that punchy citrus flavor and natural oils come from.
Step 2: Blend the Orange Mixture
Add the orange chunks to your blender or food processor. Then toss in the eggs, sugar, and olive oil. Blend it all until silky smooth, ensuring the mixture is fully combined. This step creates the flavorful, moist base of your cake batter.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is crucial for the cake’s perfect rise and texture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the smooth orange mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly—just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the batter light and airy.
Step 5: Prepare to Bake
Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking. Pour the batter in, smoothing the top gently with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake Your Cake
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will start filling with the most incredible orange aroma, building anticipation!
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps it set nicely. Then transfer it carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, feel free to dust with powdered sugar or add a thin glaze for an extra charm.
How to Serve Whole Orange Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can make your Whole Orange Cake Recipe look irresistibly inviting. For a fancier touch, drizzle with honey or a light citrus glaze made from orange juice and powdered sugar to enhance the fresh citrus notes even more.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a refreshing contrast, serve it alongside fresh berries or a mint sprig to brighten each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into small squares for a charming tea party dessert or layer slices with whipped cream and orange segments for an elegant trifle. Transforming this humble cake into a centerpiece for brunch or dessert is a wonderful way to elevate the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Whole Orange Cake Recipe should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep your cake fresh longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. This way, it will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, gently heat slices in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm it in a low oven for 10 minutes. Warming it slightly brings out the orange aroma and keeps the texture soft and comforting.
FAQs
Can I use regular oranges instead of seedless?
Yes, you can use regular oranges but make sure to remove any seeds before blending. Seedless oranges are just easier and faster to prepare without risking bitter seeds in your batter.
Is olive oil necessary or can I substitute it?
Olive oil adds a unique flavor and moisture to this cake, but you can substitute with mild vegetable oil if you prefer. Avoid strong-flavored oils that could overpower the orange taste.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum to help with texture and rise.
How long does the cake stay moist?
This cake remains moist and fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature when kept covered. The olive oil helps it retain moisture longer than butter-based cakes.
Can I add spices to the recipe?
Definitely! A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom mixed with the dry ingredients adds a warm, cozy twist that complements the orange wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Whole Orange Cake Recipe is pure joy, capturing the bright essence of fresh oranges in a simple, wholesome cake. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a casual afternoon treat, it’s a recipe that brings smiles and warmth to any table. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming one of your new favorites!
Print
Whole Orange Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 8-inch round cake (serves 8)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Whole Orange Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert made from entire seedless oranges blended into the batter, combining zesty citrus with a tender crumb. It’s an easy-to-make cake that requires no peeling or juicing, delivering a fresh and vibrant taste perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 medium seedless oranges, washed and cut into chunks
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oranges: Wash two medium seedless oranges thoroughly, removing any seeds but keeping the peel. Cut them into chunks for blending.
- Blend the wet ingredients: Add the orange chunks to a blender or food processor along with 3 large eggs, 1 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix batter: Pour the blended orange mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Prepare the cake pan: Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Optionally dust with powdered sugar or apply a glaze before serving to add extra sweetness and presentation flair.
Notes
- Using seedless oranges simplifies preparation and prevents bitterness from seeds.
- Do not peel the oranges; the peel adds extra flavor and moisture to the cake.
- The olive oil provides moistness and a subtle fruitiness complementary to the orange.
- Check the cake at the 40-minute mark to avoid overbaking, as oven temperatures may vary.
- For a sweeter finish, consider dusting with powdered sugar or glazing with a simple sugar or orange glaze.
