Get ready to meet your new go-to dessert: Orange Juice Cake. This golden, citrus-kissed beauty is the kind of cake that makes people ask for the recipe after just one bite. It’s ultra-moist, buttery, and bursting with bright orange flavor, thanks to a simple combo of boxed cake mix, pudding, and you guessed it orange juice. Topped with a sweet, sticky orange glaze that soaks into every nook and cranny, this cake is easy to make and impossible to forget. Whether it’s for brunch, a potluck, or just a treat-yourself moment, trust me you’re going to fall in love.

Why You’ll Love Orange Juice Cake

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Great for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack with coffee or tea.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples with bakery-worthy results.
Quick and Easy: Just mix, bake, and glaze minimal effort, maximum payoff.
Customizable: Add zest, nuts, or even a little coconut for a personal twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Orange Juice Cake

This cake proves that with a few basic ingredients, you can create something totally unforgettable:

Yellow Cake Mix: The easy, foolproof base that keeps things fluffy and flavorful.

Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Adds richness, moisture, and a smooth texture.

Orange Juice: The star ingredient bright, citrusy, and totally refreshing.

Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake extra moist and tender.

Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and give the cake its light, airy structure.

Sugar: Used in the glaze for a perfectly sweet finish.

Butter: Melted into the glaze to give it that rich, glossy coating.

Orange Zest (optional): Adds a fresh punch of citrus aroma to both the batter and glaze.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a Bundt pan generously to ensure an easy release.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, orange juice, and oil. Mix until smooth and well combined about 2 minutes with a hand mixer or whisk.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it out evenly.

Cook to Perfection: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Finishing Touches: While the cake bakes, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine butter, sugar, and orange juice. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for a few minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is slightly thickened.

Serve and Enjoy: When the cake is done and still warm, poke small holes all over with a skewer or fork. Slowly pour the warm glaze over the cake so it soaks in. Let it cool completely before inverting onto a plate and slicing into sunshine-soaked perfection.

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 360

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Orange Juice Cake

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve chilled or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Pair it with a cup of coffee or hot tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Garnish with orange zest or thin orange slices for a fresh finish.
Drizzle with extra glaze before serving for a glossy, citrusy boost.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the brightest flavor.
Add a little orange zest to the batter for even more citrus punch.
Let the cake rest overnight for even more moisture and flavor development.
Be generous with the glaze it soaks in and makes every bite irresistible.
Don’t skip greasing the Bundt pan well it’s key for a clean release.
Use a serrated knife for clean, neat slices.
Make mini versions in a muffin tin for individual servings.
Swap vanilla pudding for lemon for a fun flavor twist.
Wrap leftovers tightly and store at room temp or in the fridge.
This cake freezes beautifully just glaze after thawing for best texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh orange juice instead of bottled?
Yes! Fresh orange juice gives the cake the best flavor just strain out any pulp.

2. What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
You can use a 9×13 baking dish or two 8-inch round pans just adjust the baking time.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day as the glaze soaks in.

4. Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Sure chopped pecans or walnuts add great crunch and texture.

5. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yellow or butter cake mix works best, but white cake mix is a good backup.

6. Is the glaze necessary?
Yes! It’s what makes this cake extra moist, flavorful, and shiny.

7. How long will this cake last?
Stored covered at room temp, it lasts about 3 days or up to a week in the fridge.

8. Can I freeze this cake?
Definitely. Freeze unglazed and pour the glaze on after thawing for best texture.

9. What if I don’t have pudding mix?
The cake will still work, but the pudding adds extra moisture and structure.

10. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and make sure your pudding mix is gluten-free too.

Conclusion

Orange Juice Cake is the kind of dessert that brings sunshine to the table bright, moist, and wonderfully nostalgic. It’s easy to make, totally satisfying, and loved by everyone who tries it. Whether you’re baking for a brunch, a gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet and citrusy, this cake delivers every time. So grab that bottle of OJ (or squeeze some fresh) and get baking you’ve got a slice of golden happiness waiting.

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