Name: Orange Juice Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces); 1 box instant lemon pudding mix (3.4 ounces); 3/4 cup vegetable oil; 3/4 cup orange juice; 4 large eggs; 2 cups powdered sugar; 3/4 cup orange juice (for glaze); 4 tablespoons butter (for glaze)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a cake that’s irresistibly moist, bursting with citrus flavor, and guaranteed to put a smile on every face at the table, Orange Juice Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert. This southern classic is a true celebration of everything bright and zesty, featuring a tender crumb soaked in a sweet and tangy orange glaze. I remember the first time I tasted this cake at a family potluck—everyone raved about how it was gone before dessert plates even made the rounds! There’s just something magical about the way orange juice transforms a boxed cake mix into a bakery-worthy treat. If you’ve loved our Lemon Drizzle Cake, prepare for an equally crowd-pleasing experience, but with a fun citrus twist. Let’s dive into a recipe that’s as easy as it is delightful to make, perfect for busy weeknights or festive celebrations!

What is Orange Juice Cake?

Ever wonder how a cake gets named after a breakfast beverage? Orange Juice Cake isn’t just a clever moniker—it’s a delicious reality that puts your favorite morning drink center stage! Honestly, who could resist a cake that practically calls out, “Start your day the sweet way”? Legend has it, bakers everywhere realized that orange juice could make even the simplest desserts shine. You know what they say: the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—and this cake is proof! So why not listen to your curiosities and slice into something new? Give this recipe a whirl, and discover why it’s winning over kitchens everywhere!

Why You’ll Love This

The secret to Orange Juice Cake’s magic is its unbeatable combination of vibrant citrus notes and incredible moisture. The main highlight? Each bite bursts with sunny, uplifting orange flavor, while the tender cake soaks up a luscious sweet-tart glaze. You’ll also love that you can make this bakery-quality treat at home for a fraction of the cost—no specialty ingredients or complicated techniques needed! Plus, the glaze not only adds flavor but leaves a beautiful glossy finish that’s sure to impress. If you’ve tried my Easy Lemon Sheet Cake, you’ll notice the same time-saving process and crowd-pleasing zest. Gather your ingredients and join me in baking up a cake that’s affordable, impressive, and down-right delicious. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your wallet!) will thank you.

How to Make

Quick Overview

Orange Juice Cake is the ultimate quick-and-easy dessert that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor or texture. From mix to oven in under 10 minutes, this recipe proves that a stunning, bakery-style cake is within reach for anyone—no matter your baking skill. The key features? It’s ultra-moist thanks to a flavor-packed glaze, and boasts a lovely golden crumb with citrus notes in every slice. You’ll only need about 15 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to bake, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or weeknight treats.

Ingredients

1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
1 box (3.4 ounces) instant lemon pudding mix
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup orange juice
4 large eggs
2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
3/4 cup orange juice (for glaze)
4 tablespoons butter (for glaze)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10 to 12 cup Bundt pan, making sure to coat all the nooks and crannies for easy release.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant lemon pudding mix, vegetable oil, orange juice, and eggs. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture for about 2 minutes, until everything is smooth and fully combined.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula if needed.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake just begins to pull away from the edges.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan while you prepare the glaze.
For the glaze, place the powdered sugar, orange juice, and butter into a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the butter is melted and the glaze is smooth.
With the cake still in the pan, use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the top. Pour the warm glaze slowly over the cake, allowing it to soak in deeply through the holes.
Let the cake rest in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes, so the glaze is mostly absorbed and the cake cools down.
Invert the cake onto a serving plate or platter. Allow it to cool completely. For best flavor and texture, let the cake rest for at least 8 hours before slicing and serving.

Enjoy the moistest, most flavorful orange cake you’ll ever taste!

What to Serve With

Orange Juice Cake pairs wonderfully with so many accompaniments. Serve it with whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone for extra richness. Fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries will add a pop of color and complement the cake’s citrus notes. For a relaxing afternoon, enjoy a slice alongside a steamy cup of Earl Grey, green tea, or a floral chamomile tea. If you’re serving this cake for brunch, a light fruit salad or citrusy sorbet makes a refreshing side, while an extra drizzle of orange or lemon syrup will elevate the experience even further.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Make sure to grease and flour your Bundt pan thoroughly to avoid sticking and ensure a flawless release.
Want to amp up the citrus? This cake works wonderfully with a mix of orange and lemon juice in the glaze.
Don’t skip the step of letting the cake rest for several hours after glazing—this allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become super moist.
If you don’t have yellow cake mix, a white or butter cake mix will work in a pinch.
For a twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the pan before adding the batter for a bit of crunch.

Avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cake, and remember that the glaze will continue to moisten the cake as it cools.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Orange Juice Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to 7 days—just bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. If you wish to freeze, tightly wrap individual slices (or the whole cake) in cling film and then place them in a freezer-safe bag; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying. To serve warm, gently heat a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Freshly squeezed orange juice will give your cake the brightest flavor possible—just be sure to strain out any pulp for a smooth batter and glaze.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, in fact, the cake tastes even better when made the day before, as the glaze has more time to soak in and develop flavor.

Can I use a different type of pan if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
You can use a standard 9×13-inch pan or even two loaf pans—just adjust the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute a quality gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free instant pudding. Double-check all ingredient labels for gluten-containing ingredients.

How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the sugar in the glaze by up to half, or drizzle with a little fresh orange juice instead of the full glaze amount for a subtler sweetness.

Conclusion

Orange Juice Cake is the perfect answer when you crave a moist, zesty dessert that’s effortless and fun to make. With just a few pantry staples—plus a splash of orange juice—you’ll bake up a cake that delivers maximum flavor, tender texture, and rave reviews every time. Its simple preparation, budget-friendly ingredients, and crowd-pleasing personality make it a go-to recipe for any occasion, from family gatherings to sunny brunches. If you’re a fan of bright, cheerful desserts and want to add more citrus joy to your kitchen, this cake is sure to become a beloved favorite. Give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and let each slice bring a bit of sunshine to your day!