Delicious Fresh Orange Cake
A moist and flavorful orange cake featuring the bright citrus notes of fresh orange chunks and a tender crumb. Perfect for brunch or dessert, this treat appeals to fans of fruity, not-too-sweet baked goods with a hint of spice from cinnamon and a luscious coconut topping.
Ingredients
- 1 medium orange, cut into chunks (unpeeled) ⓘ
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons water ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 package yellow cake mix ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 (3 1/2 oz) can flaked coconut ⓘ
- 1 package fluffy white frosting mix ⓘ
- 2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 2/3 cup butter, softened ⓘ
- 1 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 c. granulated sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat your oven and prepare the cake pan according to the recipe instructions.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the orange chunks with water until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, orange mixture, eggs, sugar, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the coconut topping by mixing the flaked coconut with softened butter, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Allow the cake to cool, then spread the coconut topping evenly over the surface.
- Prepare the frosting mix according to package instructions and frost the cooled cake.
- Decorate as desired and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the orange flavor, consider using fresh orange juice in place of some of the water. If you want a lighter cake, reduce the sugar slightly and use egg whites instead of whole eggs. For a twist, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter. Ensure the cake is well-blended for a smooth texture.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious fresh orange cake is perfect for afternoon tea or as a dessert at family gatherings. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Orange Sherbet Fruit Salad for a refreshing finish. Garnish with fresh orange slices for a vibrant presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes. This will help maintain its moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Delicious Fresh Orange Cake contains roughly 1032 calories, with 16g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value), iron (45% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1406mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a vanilla or lemon cake mix for a different flavor profile. The orange chunks will still provide a delicious citrus note regardless of the cake mix used.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour. Ensure that the other ingredients, like the cake mix, are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.
How can I make the cake more moist?
To make the cake more moist, you can add an extra egg or substitute some of the water with buttermilk. Additionally, ensure that you do not overbake the cake, as this can lead to dryness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).