Fluffy Orange Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A light, citrus-flavored sponge cake infused with orange juice and Miracle Whip, topped with powdered sugar—perfect for gatherings and those who enjoy a moist, flavorful dessert.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (2 layer size) package yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 3/4 cup Miracle Whip or Miracle Whip light dressing
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup poppy seed (optional)
  • powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix all ingredients except powdered sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  3. Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan or 12-cup fluted tube pan.
  4. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  5. Let the cake stand for 10 minutes.
  6. Remove from the pan and sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute lemon juice for orange juice or use a different cake mix altogether. Adding poppy seeds gives a nice crunch and visual appeal, but it's optional. If using light dressing, the cake will still be fluffy and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

This fluffy orange cake is delightful on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with Creamy Swiss Green Beans for a balanced meal. For a festive touch, consider adding fresh orange zest or berries on top before serving.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy it warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fluffy Orange Cake contains roughly 229 calories, with 4g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of calcium (17% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value).

229 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.9g 8% DV
Total Fat 7.4g 9% DV
Carbs 38.4g 14% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 16.2g 32% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 178.4mg 8% DV
Potassium 203mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 52.4mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Calcium 226mg 17% DV
Iron 1.7mg 10% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg

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 make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it as mentioned above, and it will stay moist and flavorful. If you plan to serve it the next day, consider adding the powdered sugar just before serving to keep it looking fresh.

Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

What can I use instead of Miracle Whip?

If you prefer not to use Miracle Whip, you can substitute it with equal parts mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a similar texture. If you desire a sweeter taste, opt for a regular salad dressing or even a homemade cake batter with oil.

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).

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