If you’re looking for a dessert that bursts with sunshine in every bite, look no further than Whole Orange Cake. This recipe uses the entire orange — peel and all — to deliver an aromatic, impossibly moist cake with a vibrant citrus punch. With a few simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a foolproof baking method, Whole Orange Cake is soon to be your go-to treat, whether you’re brightening up a weeknight or hosting friends for afternoon coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this cake is just how simple the ingredient list is. Every item adds something crucial to the irresistible taste, tender texture, or golden color of the finished cake. Here’s what you’ll need to make magic out of oranges:

Oranges: Use thin-skinned, seedless oranges for the best flavor and a tender crumb; leaving the peel on gives that signature fragrance and depth.
Eggs: These provide structure and richness, helping the cake stay light yet moist.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and ensures a delicate, golden crust; don’t skimp!
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake extra-moist and gives the crumb a lovely plushness without overpowering the orange flavor.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, holding everything together while keeping the texture tender.
Baking powder and baking soda: These two leaveners lift the batter as it bakes, guaranteeing a fluffy, not dense, result.
Salt: A pinch brings out the brightness of the orange and balances all the flavors.
Powdered sugar (optional): For that elegant, snow-dusted look just before serving.

How to Make Whole Orange Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oranges

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease a 9-inch round cake pan well. Give your oranges a good scrub since you’ll be using the peels, then chop the citrus into chunks and remove any seeds — but keep that vibrant peel on for unbeatable flavor. You’ll be amazed at how those peels melt away into the cake’s texture!

Step 2: Blitz the Oranges

Transfer your orange chunks (peel and all!) to a food processor or blender. Pulse until they’re completely smooth and you have a bright, aromatic puree. This step is what sets Whole Orange Cake apart, infusing the entire batter with citrusy goodness.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, airy, and pale. This gives your cake its delightful lift and moist crumb. Whisk in the oil and your blended orange mixture, stirring until fully combined into a sunny, luscious batter.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps avoid any lumps and ensures the cake bakes up evenly, so don’t skip this quick (but important) step!

Step 5: Mix and Bake

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture just until combined — overmixing can make the cake tough, so a gentle hand is best. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top for even baking. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and your kitchen smells heavenly.

Step 6: Cool and Finish

Allow your Whole Orange Cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then flip it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, give it a dusting of powdered sugar if you like; it’s the prettiest finishing touch on this already stunning cake.

How to Serve Whole Orange Cake

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also jazz up your Whole Orange Cake with curls of candied orange peel, slivers of toasted almonds, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Each adds a new layer of visual and flavorful appeal!

Side Dishes

This cake is delightful alongside creamy vanilla yogurt, a scoop of tangy crème fraîche, or simply with a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea. Fresh fruit, especially berries, complement the citrusy notes and lighten up each slice.

Creative Ways to Present

Make Whole Orange Cake in a loaf pan for easy brunch slices, or bake it as muffins for grab-and-go treats. You can even layer it with lightly sweetened mascarpone for an impressive dessert centerpiece. However you slice it, the bold orange flavor shines through!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Whole Orange Cake keeps beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days; its flavor only intensifies and the crumb stays moist.

Freezing

This cake freezes like a dream. Cut it into slices, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and tuck them into a freezer-safe bag. When you need a citrusy pick-me-up, just thaw a piece at room temperature and enjoy!

Reheating

To refresh the flavor and texture, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or briefly in a low oven. This brings back some of that oven-baked warmth without drying out the cake.

FAQs

Can I use other citrus fruits in place of oranges?

Absolutely! While classic Whole Orange Cake celebrates oranges, you can experiment with mandarins, tangerines, or even blood oranges for different flavors and colors, just make sure they’re seedless and thin-skinned.

Do I really leave the peel on the oranges?

Yes! The peel is the secret to this cake’s extraordinary aroma and vibrancy. It softens as the cake bakes and melts right in, providing flavor you can’t get from juice or zest alone.

Can I make this Whole Orange Cake gluten-free?

You sure can! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just keep an eye on baking time, as gluten-free cakes can sometimes bake a little faster.

Is it possible to make Whole Orange Cake in advance?

Definitely. The cake actually becomes even more moist and flavorful after sitting for a day. You can bake it ahead and store, covered, at room temperature.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Be generous with greasing your pan, and consider lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. Let the cake cool for a few minutes before turning it out to avoid breaking.

Final Thoughts

The magic of Whole Orange Cake is that it transforms a handful of humble ingredients into something bright, festive, and deeply comforting. If you love citrus, you owe it to yourself to give this one a try — you’ll find yourself making it again and again, and sharing slices with everyone you love!

Kimberly