Easy Homemade Orange Cake Recipe (Just Like Grandma Used to Make!)

This Homemade Orange Cake is bursting with citrusy flavor and made with wholesome ingredients to keep it light and refreshing. Perfect for dessert, afternoon tea, or even a guilt-free breakfast treat, this cake brings sunshine to your plate with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zesty & Refreshing: Fresh orange juice and zest give this cake a vibrant citrus flavor.
Healthier Ingredients: Made with light flour, low-fat yogurt, and minimal sugar.
Moist & Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the yogurt and natural oils.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for casual snacking or elegant entertaining.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour for a healthier twist)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated erythritol (or preferred low-calorie sweetener)

Optional Glaze:

• 1/4 cup powdered sweetener
• 1–2 teaspoons orange juice

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease an 8-inch round or loaf pan and line with parchment paper.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Whisk the Wet Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, beat eggs, applesauce, yogurt, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and sweetener until smooth and well combined.

Combine & Stir:

• Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.

Bake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool & Glaze (Optional):

• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• For the glaze, mix powdered sweetener and orange juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cake.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)

• Calories: 110
• Carbs: 15g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Orange Juice & Zest: This makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cake in the last few minutes to avoid drying it out.
• Add Mix-ins: For variety, add poppy seeds, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips.
• Cool Before Glazing: Make sure the cake is fully cooled so the glaze doesn’t melt.

Why This Recipe Works

• Naturally Sweet & Light: Sweetened with fruit and low-calorie options, keeping it balanced.
• Moist & Tender Crumb: Yogurt and applesauce add moisture without excess fat.
• Bright Flavor: Orange gives it a fresh twist that makes it stand out among basic cakes.

This Homemade Orange Cake is proof that a dessert can be both delicious and lighter. Moist, flavorful, and beautifully golden, it’s a feel-good treat you’ll come back to again and again—perfect for sharing or savoring solo with a cup of tea.