Indulge in the delightful combination of citrusy sweetness with this vegan orange cake recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds. Bursting with bright flavors, this moist and fluffy cake offers a perfect balance of tangy orange zest and the natural sweetness of freshly squeezed orange juice.

The journey to creating this delectable treat begins with a simple yet harmonious blend of dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and a hint of salt. But it’s the addition of the wet ingredients that truly elevates this dessert to another level. A luscious mix of almond milk, vegetable oil, and aromatic vanilla extract joins forces with the star of the show – freshly squeezed orange juice – infusing every bite with vibrant citrus notes.

As the cake bakes to golden perfection in the oven, the tantalizing aroma fills the kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness to come. Once cooled, a velvety smooth orange glaze, crafted from powdered sugar, more orange juice, and a sprinkle of zest, is generously drizzled over the top, adding a final burst of citrus flavor and a touch of elegance.

Whether enjoyed as a decadent dessert after a savory meal or savored with a cup of tea during a leisurely afternoon, this vegan orange cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its moist crumb and irresistible citrusy taste, it proves that plant-based baking can be just as indulgent and satisfying as its traditional counterpart. So, gather your ingredients and let the citrusy magic unfold as you bake up a slice of sunshine to brighten any occasion.

Vegan Orange Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower oil)
  • Zest of 2 oranges
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Orange Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

Preparing the Cake Batter:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the orange juice, almond milk, vegetable oil, orange zest, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Baking the Cake:
  1. Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  2. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Orange Glaze:
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice if needed.
Glazing the Cake:
  1. Once the cake has cooled completely, place it on a serving plate or cake stand.
  2. Drizzle the orange glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
  3. Optionally, garnish the cake with additional orange zest for decoration.
  4. Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious vegan orange cake! It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special celebration or just a sweet treat for yourself.