9 Easy Orange Cake Recipes for Busy Weeknights


If you’re juggling a busy schedule but still want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these 9 easy orange cake recipes are just what you need. Each one offers a burst of citrus flavor without the fuss of complicated steps or lengthy prep times. Whether you prefer a quick pound cake or a no-bake cheesecake, there’s something here for every craving. Let’s explore these delightful treats that can brighten your weeknight dessert routine.

Quick Orange Zest Pound Cake

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (freshly grated)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
  6. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract for that zesty flavor.
  7. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy a slice of this delightful pound cake with a cup of tea or coffee—it’s the perfect treat for any time of day!

One-Bowl Orange Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, butter, eggs, orange juice, orange zest, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract.
  3. Mix everything together until just combined—no need to overmix!
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until creamy.
  7. Gradually add powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
  8. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting on top.
  9. Slice, serve, and enjoy this delightful orange treat!

This one-bowl wonder is sure to brighten up your dessert table! 🍊✨

Easy Orange Olive Oil Cake

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¾ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, combine the olive oil, orange juice, orange zest, and eggs. Mix well.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Enjoy this delightful orange olive oil cake with a cup of tea or coffee—it’s a slice of sunshine on your plate!

15-Minute Microwave Orange Mug Cake

Whip up a deliciously zesty Minute Microwave Orange Mug Cake that’s perfect for a quick treat!

Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon orange zest
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • A pinch of salt

How to Make:

  1. In a microwave-safe mug, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, orange zest, and salt until well combined.
  2. Add the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and fresh orange juice to the dry ingredients, and stir until smooth.
  3. Microwave the mug on high for about 1 minute. Keep an eye on it to guarantee it doesn’t overflow.
  4. Once cooked, let it cool for a minute before digging in.
  5. Enjoy your warm, fluffy mug cake straight from the microwave!

Indulge in the bright flavors of orange in just a minute – dessert has never been this quick and easy!

No-Bake Orange Cheesecake

No-Bake Orange Cheesecake: A revitalizing and zesty dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • Zest of 2 oranges
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Orange slices (for garnish, optional)

How to Make:

  1. Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create the crust.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
  4. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the orange mixture until combined.
  5. Pour the orange cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan, smoothing it out with a spatula.
  6. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until set.
  7. Once set, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Garnish with orange slices if desired.

Enjoy your deliciously creamy No-Bake Orange Cheesecake—it’s a slice of sunshine on your plate!

Orange Drizzle Cake With Simple Syrup

Whip up a burst of citrus goodness with this delightful Orange Drizzle Cake that’s sure to brighten your day!

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup simple syrup (for drizzle)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Stir in the orange juice and zest, blending until combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. While the cake is cooling, prepare your simple syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves.
  10. Once the cake is cool, drizzle the simple syrup over the top, allowing it to soak in.

Enjoy this zesty treat with a cup of tea or coffee, and let the sweet orange aroma fill your kitchen! 🍊✨

Fluffy Orange Chiffon Cake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • Zest of 2 oranges
  • 6 large eggs, separated
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10-inch tube pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix the egg yolks, oil, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and mix until just blended.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
  6. Gently fold the egg whites into the orange batter until no white streaks remain.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Invert the pan immediately after removing it from the oven and let it cool completely before removing the cake from the pan.

Slice it up, serve with a dusting of powdered sugar, and enjoy the fluffy goodness of this revitalizing orange treat! 🍊✨

Orange-Scented Sheet Cake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Stir in the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Allow to cool before slicing, and enjoy your delicious slice of citrus heaven!

This Orange-Scented Sheet Cake is perfect for any occasion, bringing a burst of sunshine to your dessert table!

Simple Orange Cake Pops

Ingredients:

  • 1 box orange cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup orange frosting (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • Sprinkles (optional)
  • Lollipop sticks

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the orange cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  4. Allow the cake to cool completely before crumbling it into a large bowl.
  5. Add the orange frosting to the crumbled cake and mix until fully combined.
  6. Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Freeze the cake balls for about 30 minutes to firm them up.
  8. While the cake balls are chilling, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
  9. Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it into a cake ball.
  10. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. Add sprinkles if desired.
  11. Place the finished cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or a cup to set.

Enjoy these delightful orange cake pops as a sweet treat for any occasion!

They’re sure to brighten your day!

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