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 box instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz); 4 large eggs; 3/4 cup orange juice; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup orange juice; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If your taste buds are calling for a burst of sunshine, Orange Juice Cake is the dessert you’ve been seeking! This classic Bundt cake is the definition of bright and happy—moist, tender, and drenched in a sweet, citrusy glaze that soaks in while the cake is still warm. It’s quick to whip up, visually stunning, and perfect for any gathering where you want to wow your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The flavor balances between sweet vanilla cake and zesty orange, giving every bite that irresistible just-had-a-glass-of-orange-juice feeling. Whether it’s for a special brunch or you just want to treat yourself on an ordinary Tuesday, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Orange Juice Cake has a purpose, and the best part is how easily they come together to create something extraordinary. Each component brings color, flavor, and moisture for a cake that tastes like it’s from a bakery, but is simple enough for anyone to make at home.

Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 oz): The ultimate shortcut for a light, fluffy base that bakes up perfectly every time.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (3.4 oz): Adds moisture and richness, making the crumb extra tender and luscious.
Eggs (4 large): Essential for structure and richness; don’t skimp or substitute these!
Orange Juice (3/4 cup + 1/4 cup for glaze): Fresh or store-bought—what matters is the undeniable citrus punch it gives the cake and glaze.
Vegetable Oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake unbelievably moist without overpowering the beautiful orange flavor.
Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup + 1 cup for glaze): Balances tart citrus with just the right amount of sweetness in both cake and glaze.
Orange Zest (1 teaspoon): Intensifies that sunshiny orange aroma and flavor.
Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, for glaze): The base of the glaze, bringing silkiness and a bit of richness that soaks into the cake.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon, for glaze): A small touch that rounds out and deepens the cake’s flavor.

How to Make Orange Juice Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give your Bundt pan a generous coating of butter or non-stick spray. This ensures your beautiful Orange Juice Cake releases easily after baking and keeps all those lovely ridges intact.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

Grab a large mixing bowl and pour in the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, eggs, orange juice, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat everything together for about 2 minutes. The batter should look smooth, creamy, and smell absolutely amazing—don’t be surprised if you find yourself grinning at this point!

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared Bundt pan and smooth out the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the kitchen smells like a citrus grove in bloom.

Step 4: Prepare the Orange Glaze

While the cake bakes, start the glaze. Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the sugar and orange juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and keep stirring for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract—the glaze will be glossy, fragrant, and ready to soak into the cake.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish Your Cake

When the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. While it’s still warm, use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the surface. Slowly pour the warm glaze over the cake, letting it soak in deeply. Allow the cake to sit in the pan for another 15 to 20 minutes so all that citrusy goodness absorbs. Invert onto a serving plate, slice, and serve the showstopper you just created!

How to Serve Orange Juice Cake

Garnishes

This cake is gorgeous on its own, but a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few thin orange slices takes it over the top. The contrast of jewel-toned citrus against the buttery gold of the cake makes every slice look irresistible!

Side Dishes

Serve Orange Juice Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of vanilla ice cream for a little extra indulgence. Pair it with fresh berries or a light fruit salad to highlight the cake’s citrus notes and bring a refreshing touch to your dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the cake into elegant individual servings by slicing and plating each piece with a drizzle of extra glaze. For brunch, make it the centerpiece surrounded by spring flowers or citrus wedges. And if you’re feeling whimsical, cut into cubes and serve in cupcake liners for a bite-sized party treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Orange Juice Cake gets even better the next day as the glaze continues to soak in and keep everything moist. Store it covered at room temperature for up to three days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

You can freeze the cake, either whole or sliced. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for best results. The glaze freezes surprisingly well and the cake stays moist after thawing.

Reheating

If you like your cake a bit warm (and who doesn’t?), pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The glaze will get gooey again and the flavors feel freshly baked. Be careful not to overheat, though—just enough to soften and revive the crumb.

FAQs

Can I use fresh-squeezed orange juice instead of bottled?

Absolutely! Fresh-squeezed orange juice makes the flavor pop in both the cake and the glaze. Just make sure to strain out any pulp if you want the smoothest texture.

What’s the best way to grease a Bundt pan?

I recommend using softened butter spread generously into every nook and cranny, followed by a dusting of flour or a spritz of non-stick baking spray. That way your Orange Juice Cake slides right out, showing off the beautiful Bundt shape.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in a gluten-free yellow cake mix and a compatible pudding mix. Triple-check ingredient labels, and you’ll still end up with a fantastic, citrusy cake everyone can enjoy.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake should look golden and spring back lightly when touched. A toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a crumb or two, not wet batter.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Of course! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even mini chocolate chips add a fun twist. Fold them gently into the batter just before baking to give your Orange Juice Cake some extra texture and flair.

Final Thoughts

Once you try a slice of Orange Juice Cake, it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. The way the sweet glaze melts into every bite is pure magic—so don’t be surprised if your friends and family ask for it again and again. Give this recipe a go and let the sunshine in!

Orange Juice Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful citrus flavors of this moist and flavorful Orange Juice Cake. With a tender crumb and a sweet orange glaze, this easy-to-make Bundt cake is a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Cake:

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

For the glaze:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a Bundt pan generously.
Mix the cake batter: Combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, orange juice, oil, sugar, and orange zest. Beat until smooth.
Bake the cake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Prepare the glaze: Melt butter in a saucepan, add sugar, orange juice, and vanilla. Cook until sugar dissolves.
Glaze the cake: Poke holes in the warm cake and pour the glaze over. Let it absorb.
Serve: Invert the cake onto a plate, slice, and enjoy!