Zesty Moist Orange Cake (No Mixer Needed!)
This might just be the moistest orange cake you’ll ever bake—and the best part? You don’t even need a mixer! With bright citrus flavor, a soft crumb, and a simple orange glaze, this cake comes together in minutes and tastes like sunshine in every bite.
🍊 Ingredients
For the Cake:
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90g (½ cup) brown sugar
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Zest of 3 oranges (about 1–2 Tbsp)
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185g (6.5 oz) all-purpose flour
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7g baking powder
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1g salt
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2 eggs
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55ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
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45ml (3 Tbsp) plain yogurt or milk
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90ml (6 Tbsp) fresh orange juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Orange Icing (Optional):
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50g (1.7 oz) powdered sugar
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1 Tbsp orange juice
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Infuse the Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar with the grated orange zest. Rub the zest into the sugar using your fingertips or a spoon until well mixed. Let it sit for 30 minutes—this enhances the citrus aroma and flavor.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this to the orange-sugar mixture and whisk to combine.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add in the oil (or melted butter), yogurt or milk, vanilla extract, and orange juice. Stir gently to combine.
4. Combine Everything
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Whisk until just combined—do not overmix. The batter should be smooth with no visible lumps.
5. Bake
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Line your baking pan with parchment paper and pour in the batter.
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Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool and Ice (Optional)
Allow the cake to cool completely. If desired, prepare the icing by mixing the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth and thick. Drizzle it over the cooled cake before serving.
🍰 Serving Tip
Enjoy this orange cake as-is for a simple treat, or top it with the icing for extra citrus flair. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or dessert!
