Orange Picnic Cake
A moist, flavorful orange-infused cake with crunchy walnuts and a hint of cinnamon, perfect for picnics, gatherings, or a bright afternoon treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups orange juice ⓘ
- 1 cup quick oats ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soft butter ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup broken walnut pieces ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon grated orange rind ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat the orange juice to boiling and pour over the quick oats. Set aside.
- Cream the soft butter, sugar, and brown sugar together.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
- Add the vanilla extract.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Alternately blend the flour mixture and the oat-juice mixture into the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Fold in the broken walnut pieces and grated orange rind.
- Pour the batter into an oblong cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes.
- Cool the cake, spread with frosting, and broil for 1 minute before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using egg whites instead of whole eggs, or substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. If you're out of walnuts, pecans or almonds work well too. A touch of cardamom could elevate the flavor profile. To save time, you can use store-bought frosting instead of making your own.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, serve it with a side of fresh berries or a fruit salad. It’s perfect for picnics or as a dessert at family gatherings, alongside recipes like Deviled (Angel) Eggs.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to reheat individual slices, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at low heat until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Picnic Cake contains roughly 732 calories, with 9g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1175mg per serving (51% 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 make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Just ensure it is completely cooled before storing it in an airtight container. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to frost it on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture.
Can I substitute the orange juice?
Absolutely! You can use apple juice or even a light flavored tea if you prefer. The cake will have a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious. If you're looking for a more intense orange flavor, consider using orange zest and a splash of orange extract along with your substitute.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats as well. The texture may differ slightly, but the flavors will still shine through. Adding a bit of xanthan gum can help maintain the cake's structure.
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).