There’s something truly magical about a freshly baked Moist Orange Sheet Cake. Imagine the aroma of sweet citrus filling your kitchen, the soft, tender crumb melting in your mouth, and the bright orange zest giving each bite a burst of flavor. This cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a moment of joy, perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or even a spontaneous midweek treat. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at your first citrus cake, this recipe will guide you to perfection, leaving every slice irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Moist Orange Sheet Cake
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Perfectly Moist Texture: Every bite is soft, tender, and melts in your mouth.
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Fresh Citrus Flavor: Zest and juice from real oranges bring a natural tangy sweetness.
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Quick and Easy Preparation: Minimal prep, maximum impact.
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Versatile Dessert Option: Ideal for birthdays, brunches, or casual family dinners.
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Customizable Toppings: From light glazes to cream cheese frosting.
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Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Uses pantry staples with fresh oranges for flavor.
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Kid-Approved Flavor: Sweet, tangy, and soft—a crowd pleaser.
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Health-Conscious Options: Easily made with dairy-free, gluten-free, or reduced sugar substitutes.
Ingredients for Moist Orange Sheet Cake
Dry Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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3 large eggs
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1 cup buttermilk (or almond milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice for dairy-free)
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1 cup fresh orange juice (about 3-4 oranges)
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Zest of 2 oranges
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Additions:
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Orange glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp orange juice
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Fresh orange slices or candied zest for garnish
Ingredient Notes:
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Flour: Provides structure; for gluten-free, substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour.
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Sugar: Sweetness and moisture retention; coconut sugar can replace for healthier baking.
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Butter: Adds flavor and richness; room temperature ensures even creaming.
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Buttermilk: Reacts with baking soda for lift and tender crumb.
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Orange Juice & Zest: Core flavor enhancer; use fresh for best results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures even baking and the perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Lightly dust with flour for extra non-stick safety.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This evenly distributes leavening agents for a uniform rise.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. This incorporates air, crucial for a light texture.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add eggs, buttermilk, orange juice, zest, and vanilla. Mix gently to maintain aeration—this ensures a soft crumb.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake.
Step 7: Bake
Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 8: Optional Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar and orange juice to a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake and garnish with zest slices.
Pro Tips for Perfect Moist Orange Sheet Cake
H3: How do I make my cake extra moist?
Incorporate buttermilk and orange juice for natural moisture. Avoid overbaking—check with a toothpick 5 minutes before the suggested time.
H3: Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Use almond or oat milk with lemon juice for buttermilk and a vegan butter substitute. Eggs can be replaced with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
H3: How to keep it fresh longer?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
H3: Flavor Variations
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Add poppy seeds for a classic Orange Poppy Cake twist
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Swirl cream cheese frosting for tangy richness
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Mix in cranberries or chopped nuts for texture
Best Ways to Serve
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Slice and serve with vanilla ice cream for a dessert combo.
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Top with whipped cream and candied orange slices for a show-stopping presentation.
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Perfect with afternoon tea or brunch gatherings.
Internal Link Suggestion: Check our Easy Citrus Desserts Collection for more fruit-infused cakes.
Nutrition (per serving, 12 slices)
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Calories: 280
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 12g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
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Carbs: 38g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 24g
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Vitamin C: 15% DV
Storage & Leftovers
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Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
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Refrigeration: Up to 7 days; let it reach room temperature before serving.
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Freezing: Wrap slices in parchment and foil; thaw overnight.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake a day in advance and store in an airtight container. Add glaze right before serving.
Q2: Can I use store-bought orange juice?
Fresh juice is recommended for bright flavor, but store-bought works if fresh isn’t available.
Q3: What pan works best for even baking?
A 9×13 inch metal or glass pan provides even heat distribution. Avoid dark pans, which may brown too quickly.
Q4: Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger pan or two 9×13 inch pans. Adjust baking time accordingly.
Recipe Variations
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Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
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Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs and dairy with plant-based alternatives.
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Zesty Upgrade: Add lemon zest alongside orange zest for a citrus punch.
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Layer Cake Version: Bake in two 8-inch pans for a layered presentation.
Conclusion
Your Moist Orange Sheet Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and love in every bite. Whether for a cozy family night or a festive gathering, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Share your creations on social media and tag us—let the zesty joy spread! 🍊