Name: Orange Juice Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz); 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz); 4 large eggs; 3/4 cup orange juice; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup orange juice

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If you’re craving sunshine on a plate, this Orange Juice Cake is your answer. It’s the kind of cake that instantly uplifts a gathering—bright, soft, and dripping with citrusy glaze. Bundt cakes have their charm, but the real star here is how orange juice transforms every crumb, making each bite a burst of flavor and nostalgia. Perfect for potlucks, brunch, or honestly, a Tuesday treat, this easy bake will win over anyone who tries it. With a delightful balance of tang and sweetness, you might just find yourself sneaking an extra slice (or two)!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Orange Juice Cake is the short but purposeful ingredients list. Each item is vital for the texture, color, and zingy personality of the finished cake. If you’ve got these in your pantry and fridge, you’re halfway there!

Yellow cake mix: The base of the cake, ensuring a soft, fluffy crumb and sweet undertones with zero fuss.
Instant vanilla pudding mix: Secret weapon for moistness and a lush, velvety texture that feels bakery-worthy.
Eggs (4 large): These lend structure and richness, making the cake tender and full-bodied.
Orange juice (3/4 cup + 1/4 cup for glaze): Brings that signature sunshiney flavor; fresh-squeezed is a bonus but bottled works just as well.
Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Guarantees a light, moist crumb every time.
Orange zest (1 tablespoon, optional): Intensifies the citrus aroma and flavor—highly recommended if you want extra zing.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, for glaze): Creates a glossy, luscious glaze that soaks perfectly into the cake.
Granulated sugar (1 cup, for glaze): Sweetens the glaze, balancing the tart orange beautifully.

How to Make Orange Juice Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease and flour a bundt pan. This step isn’t just about nonstick—it’s about ensuring that gorgeous, detailed shape releases perfectly when it’s time to unveil your cake.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a roomy bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding, eggs, orange juice, vegetable oil, and orange zest if you’re using it. With an electric mixer set to medium, beat it all together for about 2 minutes. Your batter should look smooth, silky, and downright inviting. Don’t be tempted to over-mix!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Carefully pour the batter into your prepped bundt pan, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. The aroma is your first reward. When a toothpick inserted comes out clean, you know it’s ready.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

While that beauty bakes, make the glaze. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in granulated sugar and orange juice, then cook for about 3–4 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly. You want it glossy, not boiling.

Step 5: Soak & Cool with Glaze

Once the cake is out of the oven, use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the top—don’t be shy! Slowly pour the warm glaze over the entire cake while it’s still in the pan. This step is what makes Orange Juice Cake so moist and irresistible, as it soaks into every nook. Let it rest for 15 minutes before inverting the cake onto a wire rack or plate to cool completely.

How to Serve Orange Juice Cake

Garnishes

This cake shines all on its own, but a dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate drizzle of orange icing is such an easy way to dress it up. For a pop of color, scatter on a few curls of fresh orange zest or even some candied orange slices—your guests won’t be able to resist.

Side Dishes

Serve Orange Juice Cake with a bowl of juicy mixed berries, or a simple vanilla bean ice cream scoop if you want to go all out. For brunch, it pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad, or even a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving generous slices on a pretty cake stand with edible flowers for a party-ready look. For individual treats, cut the cake into cubes, skewer with fresh berries, and serve as citrusy dessert kebabs. Or, bake mini versions in a muffin tin for sweet, portable servings perfect for lunchboxes and picnics—Orange Juice Cake, anytime, anywhere!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Orange Juice Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It actually becomes even more flavorful as it sits, with the glaze infusing the cake—expect happy snacking for up to three days.

Freezing

If you want to save some sunshine for later, this cake freezes well. Wrap whole or sliced cake securely in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or a couple of hours at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

While Orange Juice Cake is delicious at room temperature, you can also gently warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked feel. If you like, spoon on a bit of extra orange glaze or zest right before serving to refresh the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh orange juice instead of bottled?

Absolutely! Fresh orange juice really brightens the citrus flavor and adds a touch of natural sweetness, but both options will give you a delicious result.

Is it necessary to add orange zest?

Orange zest isn’t essential, but it does intensify the cake’s citrus aroma and taste. If you have fresh oranges handy, definitely add it for an extra burst of flavor.

Can I make Orange Juice Cake without a bundt pan?

Yes! A standard 9×13-inch baking dish works well—just keep an eye on the baking time, as flatter cakes may bake a bit faster. You’ll still get all that sunny, citrusy goodness.

What can I use instead of instant pudding mix?

If you don’t have pudding mix, you can try substituting with 1/4 cup of cornstarch and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. The texture will be slightly different, but the cake will still be moist.

How do I keep the cake moist for several days?

Make sure to wrap Orange Juice Cake tightly or store it in a sealed container. The glaze locks in moisture, and as a bonus, the flavor gets better with each passing day!

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a slice of bright, effortless dessert that brings smiles and second helpings, give Orange Juice Cake a try! It’s a go-to for busy bakers or anyone who loves a little sunshine on their table.

Orange Juice Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes (plus cooling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Orange Juice Cake is a delightful citrus-infused dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The moist and flavorful cake topped with a sweet orange glaze is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
4 large eggs
3/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)

Glaze:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup orange juice

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a bundt pan.
Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, orange juice, oil, and orange zest. Beat for 2 minutes.
Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 40–45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Prepare Glaze: Melt butter in a saucepan, add sugar and orange juice. Cook until slightly thickened.
Glaze the Cake: Poke holes in the baked cake, pour warm glaze over it, and let it absorb for 15 minutes. Invert onto a rack to cool.