If you’re craving a cake that’s both moist and bursting with citrus flavor, this Orange Juice Cake is the one to try. It’s a bright, refreshing dessert with the tang of orange juice and the richness of a buttery glaze that seeps into every bite. The cake is fluffy and sweet, with a zesty kick that makes it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or just a treat for yourself. Made with simple ingredients like cake mix and pudding, it’s a quick-to-prepare recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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Why You’ll Love This Cake

Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull this off! Using a cake mix and pudding mix makes this recipe super simple.
Packed with Citrus Flavor: The orange juice in both the cake and the glaze gives it a burst of fresh citrus in every bite.
Moist & Tender: Thanks to the combination of oil, pudding, and orange juice, the cake comes out moist and stays that way.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for a casual dessert or a showstopper for a party, this cake fits the bill.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into making this delectable Orange Juice Cake:

1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix: I personally love using Betty Crocker or Pillsbury, but any yellow cake mix will work.
1 (3.4-ounce) box instant lemon pudding mix: This adds a tangy undertone that enhances the citrusy flavor of the orange juice.
3/4 cup vegetable oil: This ensures the cake is ultra-moist and tender.
3/4 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice works best, but store-bought is fine too. It gives the cake a fresh and vibrant flavor.
4 large eggs: These give the cake structure and richness.

For the glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar: For that sweet, glossy finish.
3/4 cup orange juice: To enhance the citrus flavor even further.
4 tablespoons butter: This makes the glaze rich and smooth, adding a delicious buttery note to the cake.

Step-by-Step Directions for Orange Juice Cake

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease and flour a Bundt pan (10 to 12 cups) to prevent the cake from sticking.

2. Mix the Cake Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, lemon pudding mix, vegetable oil, orange juice, and eggs using an electric mixer. Mix for about 2 minutes on medium speed until everything is well combined and smooth.

3. Pour and Bake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the edges of the cake start to pull away from the sides of the pan.

4. Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is baking, it’s time to make the delicious orange glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the powdered sugar, orange juice, and butter. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the butter is fully melted and the glaze is smooth.

5. Poke Holes and Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has finished baking, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Using a toothpick or skewer, poke holes all over the cake while it’s still warm. This will allow the glaze to soak into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.

Slowly pour the warm glaze over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot of glaze it will be absorbed! Let the cake sit for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cake has cooled and most of the glaze has soaked in.

6. Invert and Cool Completely

After the glaze has soaked in, invert the cake onto a serving platter. Let it cool completely before serving. For best results, allow the cake to rest for about 8 hours this helps the flavors meld and makes it even more delicious!

Tips for a Perfect Orange Juice Cake

Use Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice will give you the best, brightest flavor, but bottled orange juice works in a pinch.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Pudding Mix: The lemon pudding adds a lovely tang that complements the orange flavor perfectly.
Let the Cake Rest: While it might be tempting to dive in right away, letting the cake sit for a few hours or overnight makes it even better. The glaze will soak in more, and the flavors will develop beautifully.
Make Ahead: This cake stays moist for days, so feel free to make it ahead of time. It’s a great dessert to prepare a day before a big gathering!

Variations to Try

Orange Creamsicle Cake: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake batter for a creamsicle twist.
Lemon-Orange Glaze: Swap half of the orange juice in the glaze with lemon juice for a more tangy citrus flavor.
Coconut Twist: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the glaze before it cools for a tropical touch.
Chocolate-Orange Combo: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cake for a delicious chocolate-orange pairing.

What to Serve With Orange Juice Cake

This cake is light and refreshing enough to be served on its own, but if you’re looking to dress it up a little, here are some ideas:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream would add a creamy contrast to the citrusy cake.
Fruit Salad: Serve with a side of fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or more oranges for a light, summery dessert.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or orange sherbet would complement the cake perfectly.

Storing and Freezing

To Store: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake will stay moist and flavorful thanks to the glaze!
To Freeze: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let the cake thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Juice Cake is a delightful dessert that’s easy to make and full of flavor. The bright citrus notes from the orange juice, combined with the buttery, sugary glaze, make this cake an irresistible treat. Whether you’re looking for a casual weeknight dessert or a crowd-pleaser for a special occasion, this cake has you covered. Trust me once you’ve had a slice, you’ll want to make it again and again!