This Orange Bundt Cake with a delicate orange glaze is my latest attempt to satisfy my husband’s sweet tooth. He adores any fruit-based dessert—lemon meringue pie, orange cheesecake, apple crumble; if it’s fruity, he’s guaranteed to love it. There’s something wonderful about the vibrant taste of citrus in a cake. It brings a fresh, zesty flavor that makes you question why we rely so heavily on sugar in other recipes to achieve great taste.
INGREDIENTS
For the Cake:
- 3 cups cake flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from about 2-3 oranges)
- 1 cup canola oil
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Zest from the oranges used for juice
For the Glaze:
- 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
To Decorate:
- Fresh orange zest
INSTRUCTIONS
For the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease and flour a bundt pan, or use a non-stick spray like Baker’s Joy for easier release.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt until well blended. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the sugar, eggs, milk, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and oil. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, using the paddle attachment and mixing until just combined. Take care not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is lightly golden. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool to room temperature in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the orange glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.
- Finish by grating fresh orange zest over the cake for a touch of color and flavor. Slice and serve!
