If you’re longing for a vibrant, sun-drenched dessert that tastes like a Sicilian holiday, you’ll adore this Sicilian Orange Cake. Moist, fragrant, and bursting with citrus, this cake is simplicity at its best: every bite is sweet, tangy, and gloriously golden. Whether you’re sharing it for Sunday brunch or serving it after dinner, this delightful recipe captures the beauty of Italian baking with just a handful of pantry staples and a touch of fresh orange flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Sicilian Orange Cake is in its straightforward, no-fuss ingredients. Each one is essential for building that signature tenderness, bright flavor, and that alluring orange aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and delicate crumb that gives this cake its lightness.
- Baking powder: Ensures your cake rises perfectly every time—think fluffy, not dense.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and sharpens the citrus notes.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Brings moisture and a lovely richness, allowing the orange flavor to shine.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create that golden, slightly crisp top.
- Large eggs, room temperature: Bind everything together and add structure while keeping the cake tender and rich.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps blend the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh orange juice: The star ingredient—squeeze it yourself for maximum citrus kick.
- Orange zest: Packs a punch of aromatic oils, coloring both the taste and the crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, subtle note.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting: A simple finishing touch that adds elegance and a delicate sweetness.
How to Make Sicilian Orange Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Cake Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this guarantees your cake will bake evenly and rise beautifully. Take an 8-inch round cake pan and either grease and flour it or line it with parchment paper. This way, your Sicilian Orange Cake will release effortlessly once it’s baked and cooled.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick step ensures the baking powder and salt are distributed throughout the flour, so every bite of your cake is consistently flavored and perfectly textured.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream your softened butter with the granulated sugar. You’re looking for a light and fluffy texture—this process incorporates air into the batter, giving your Sicilian Orange Cake its delicate, tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavors
One at a time, beat in the eggs, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. The combination of juice and zest delivers that unmistakable, sun-drenched citrus punch that makes this cake so special.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. This helps the batter stay airy—don’t overmix! Just blend until everything is combined and smooth. Overmixing can lead to a tougher cake.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until your kitchen smells gloriously of oranges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for that final flourish.
How to Serve Sicilian Orange Cake
Garnishes
Add a flourish to your Sicilian Orange Cake with a classic dusting of powdered sugar—simple, yet elegant. For a special occasion, top with thinly sliced fresh oranges or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. A drizzle of orange glaze also elevates the presentation and adds another kiss of citrus.
Side Dishes
This cake is a delightful standalone treat, but if you want to turn dessert into an event, pair each slice with fresh berries, lightly sweetened ricotta, or a scoop of vanilla gelato. These side dishes complement the cake’s brightness without overpowering its signature flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Sicilian Orange Cake into a showstopper! Try baking it in a bundt pan for a beautiful ring, serve petite slices on a tray for an afternoon tea, or layer whipped mascarpone and extra zest between halved cake layers for a festive centerpiece. The possibilities for presentation are as joyful as the cake’s flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Sicilian Orange Cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap so it stays delightfully moist and doesn’t soak up any off flavors from your kitchen.
Freezing
If you want to savor this cake over several weeks, it freezes beautifully! Once fully cooled, wrap individual slices (or the whole cake) snugly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or let slices come to room temperature naturally, and you’ll have a just-baked taste anytime.
Reheating
Prefer a warm slice? Gently reheat an individual piece of Sicilian Orange Cake in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or briefly in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C). This softens the crumb, revives the citrus aroma, and is especially lovely if serving with ice cream or whipped cream.
FAQs
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh orange juice is truly key for the best flavor in Sicilian Orange Cake, but if you’re in a pinch, use high-quality bottled juice without added sugar or preservatives. The zing of freshly squeezed juice and the oils from fresh zest are what give this cake its unforgettable aroma and taste.
What type Dessert
Classic Sicilian varieties like blood orange or navel oranges are ideal for their sweetness and strong aromatics. Really, any juicy, sweet orange will work as long as it’s loaded with flavor—the zest is just as important as the juice.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Look for a golden-brown top and use the toothpick test: insert one in the center of the cake and if it comes out clean or with just a crumb or two, your Sicilian Orange Cake is ready. The cake should spring back gently when pressed in the center.
Is this cake suitable for special diets?
Sicilian Orange Cake is naturally vegetarian and free from artificial flavors or colors. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives, though the texture may differ slightly.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Absolutely! Try folding in a handful of dark chocolate chips, slivered almonds, or even a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist. Just be sure not to overload the batter so the cake stays fluffy and light.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about bringing a slice of Sicilian sunshine to your table, and this Sicilian Orange Cake is a true celebration of citrus. Whether you’re sharing with friends or saving that last piece for yourself (no judgment!), I hope you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. Go ahead—bake, share, and savor every bite!
Print
Sicilian Orange Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sicilian Orange Cake is a delightful citrus-infused dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The light and fluffy cake with a hint of orange zest is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with the milk, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the pan.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Dust and Serve: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- This cake pairs well with whipped cream or orange glaze.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
