This spiced orange cake is the kind of recipe that feels both comforting and bright at the same time. Fresh orange zest and juice bring a natural citrusy sweetness, while a gentle blend of warm spices adds just enough depth without overpowering the delicate orange flavor. It’s lightly spiced, perfectly balanced, and wonderfully fragrant as it bakes—filling your kitchen with the coziest aroma.
Soft, moist, and full of sunshine, this cake is ideal for those moments when you want something a little special but still easy and approachable. It works beautifully as a simple everyday cake, a weekend treat with coffee or tea, or even a light dessert dressed up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of orange glaze. If you love desserts that feel warm and inviting with a fresh citrus twist, this spiced orange cake is sure to become a favorite.
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Ingredients
- Flour— 2-1/2 cups
- Cornstarch— 1 tablespoon
- Milk Powder— 1 teaspoon
- Baking Powder— 1-1/2 teaspoons
- White Sugar— 1-1/2 cups
- Orange Juice— 1/2 cups (freshly squeezed)
- Milk— 1/4 cup
- Sour Cream— 1/2 cup
- Vegetable Oil— 1/4 cup
- Salt— 1 teaspoon
- 2 Eggs
- Vanilla Extract— 1 tablespoon
- Cinnamon— 3/4 teaspoon
- Nutmeg—1/4 teaspoon
- Ginger— 1/2 teaspoon
- Orange Zest— 1 tablespoon
Vanilla Glaze
- Powdered Sugar— 1 cup
- Milk— 1-2 tablespoons
- Orange Zest— 1 tablespoon (garnish)
What You’ll Need
How To Make Spiced Orange Cake
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- In a large mixing bowl whisk together eggs, white sugar, orange juice, milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Now sift in the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, Milk Powder, Salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet then fold in orange zest.
- Pour the batter evenly into a well greased 9×5 loaf pan then bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Once the spiced orange cake is out of the oven, allow it to rest in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack until cooled. This cake can take up to an hour to cool completely.
- Now for the glaze, combine sifted powdered sugar and milk, starting with one tablespoon then adjusting to your desired consistency.
- Pour glaze over the cake then sprinkle some orange zest over top before the glaze sets. Be sure cake is completely cooled before preparing glaze.
- Slice and enjoy.
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