Orange Bundt cake is a delightful treat that brings a burst of citrus flavor to any occasion. Its light, airy texture paired with the bright taste of orange makes it a perfect dessert for family gatherings, celebrations, or simply as a snack with your afternoon tea. Bake one, and you’ll find that its appealing sweetness and zest entice you to come back for another slice.
Why We Love This Orange Bundt Cake
This orange bundt cake stands out for many reasons. First, its vibrant orange flavor adds a refreshing touch that awakens your taste buds, making it a favorite among citrus lovers. The cake’s beautiful golden hue and elegant shape create an inviting centerpiece for your table. You can easily impress your friends and family with this visually stunning dessert.
Moreover, this cake is incredibly simple to prepare. You don’t need advanced baking skills to create a masterpiece; just follow the steps, and you’ll end up with a moist and flavorful cake that’s sure to impress. The combination of orange zest and juice infuses each bite, providing a delightful balance of sweetness and tang. Additionally, it doesn’t require complicated ingredients, just staples likely already in your pantry. You can even personalize this recipe with different toppings or accompaniments to suit your unique taste.
Ingredients for Orange Bundt Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Include the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest, and mix until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then gently turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Orange Bundt Cake
When it comes to serving your orange bundt cake, you have plenty of options to elevate this delightful dessert. For a simple yet classic approach, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar for an elegant look that highlights its beautiful shape. You can also drizzle a light glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the top for a sweet citrusy finish that adds extra flavor.
Pairing the cake with fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or blueberries, can add a fresh and colorful touch to your presentation. You could serve the orange bundt cake with whipped cream on the side, allowing everyone to add their desired amount and enjoy that creamy texture against the moistness of the cake.
If you’re looking for something indulgent, a scoop of vanilla or orange sorbet can create a lovely contrast in temperature and texture. For an afternoon tea gathering, slice the cake into smaller pieces and serve it along with a pot of your favorite herbal tea or coffee to enhance the citrus notes in the dessert.
Expert Tips for Orange Bundt Cake
For the best orange bundt cake, follow these expert tips to ensure perfect results each time you bake. First, use fresh oranges for both the zest and juice. The flavor from fresh citrus will greatly enhance your cake’s taste compared to bottled juice. Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake; mix only until everything is just combined.
Another helpful tip is to let your eggs and sour cream reach room temperature before using them. This small step helps create a smoother batter and can lead to a lighter texture in the finished cake. When greasing your bundt pan, make sure to coat every crevice; this helps ensure an easy release after baking.
Lastly, test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready. If batter clings to the toothpick, give it more time, checking every few minutes until done. After cooling, consider letting the cake rest for a few hours or overnight before serving; this helps the flavors develop even more.
How to Store Orange Bundt Cake
Storing your orange bundt cake properly will keep it fresh for longer, allowing you to enjoy it over several days. Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also place it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Store the wrapped cake at room temperature if you plan to eat it within a couple of days. If you wish to keep it for longer than that, refrigerating it is a better option. When stored in the refrigerator, the cake can last about a week. For even longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. When frozen, it can stay good for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw the cake at room temperature before serving.
Variations of Orange Bundt Cake
Experimenting with variations of the orange bundt cake can lead to delicious new treats that keep things interesting. One simple way to put a twist on this classic is to incorporate other citrus fruits. Try adding lemon or lime juice and zest to the batter for a refreshing flavor mix. You can also use a combination of citrus fruits for a unique taste.
Consider adding nuts to the batter for added texture. Chopped walnuts or pecans can provide a delightful crunch and complement the citrus flavor beautifully. For extra sweetness, fold in some chocolate chips. The contrast of the rich chocolate and bright orange flavor creates a delicious surprise in every bite.
If you’re looking for a different finish, try glazing your bundt cake with a citrus syrup made from cooking down orange juice with sugar. A sprinkle of coconut flakes on top can add a tropical twist to your presentation. Alternatively, top it with a layer of cream cheese frosting for a rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with the orange.
FAQ about Orange Bundt Cake
You may have some questions about making your orange bundt cake. Here are some common queries to help you on your baking journey. What if my bundt cake sticks to the pan? To ensure easy removal, make sure to generously grease and flour your bundt pan before pouring in the batter. It’s essential to coat every crevice to prevent sticking.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh? While you can use bottled juice in a pinch, fresh-squeezed juice will provide a brighter flavor that enhances the cake. The same applies to orange zest; fresh zest makes a significant difference in taste.
How do I know when my cake is done? Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overbaking.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! This cake keeps well and actually tastes great even a day after it’s baked; the flavors have time to meld. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it properly.
How can I add more orange flavor? For an extra burst of flavor, increase the amount of orange zest and juice you use in the recipe. Additionally, you can infuse the batter with a bit of orange extract for even more citrus goodness.
Orange Bundt Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour For the main structure of the cake.
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar To sweeten the cake.
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened For moisture and flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream Adds moisture and richness.
- 3 large eggs For binding the ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder For leavening.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda To help the cake rise.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt To enhance flavor.
- 0.25 cups fresh orange juice For citrus flavor.
- 2 tablespoons orange zest For intense orange flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract To add depth of flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest, mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then gently turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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