YaYa’s Orange Cake
This Orange Cake is a light and tender Southern favorite made with fresh lemon and orange zest, sweetened just right and baked to golden perfection. The bright citrus flavors shine through in every bite, making it ideal for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or a simple family dessert. No frosting needed—just a dusting of powdered sugar and a smile.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups sifted flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon grated lemon rind
- 1½ tablespoons grated orange rind
- ⅔ cup shortening
- 1½ cups sugar
- 3 eggs unbeaten
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, add the grated lemon and orange rinds to the shortening and cream well.
- Gradually add the sugar to the shortening mixture, beating until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients alternately with the lemon juice and milk, mixing just until combined.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured cake pan.
- Bake at 375°F for 21 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Yaya’s Tips for Success
This bright and citrusy Orange Cake is sunshine on a plate, with a soft and tender crumb and the freshest zest of lemon and orange blended right in. It’s perfect for a spring or summer gathering, but honestly, it’s welcome at my table year-round! A few simple techniques will help you get it just right.
- Make sure your eggs and milk are room temperature for best blending.
- Fresh lemon and orange rind are key. Don’t use bottled juice or dried zest.
- Don’t overmix once the flour is added. Mix just until combined.
- A light dusting of powdered sugar after cooling adds a pretty finish.
Yaya’s Customization Ideas
If you want to dress this cake up a bit, you sure can. It holds up beautifully to glazes and fillings. For a light treat, serve it as-is with a cup of tea or coffee. But if you feel like changing it up, try these ideas:
- Add a citrus glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice
- Mix in chopped candied orange peel for extra texture
- Fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips for a twist
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a slice of orange on the side
You might also enjoy my Lemon Chess Pie or the zesty Hillbilly Pie from the site!
Yaya’s Original Recipe Card
