Old Fashioned Orange Juice Cake

Old Fashioned Orange Juice Cake is a nostalgic Southern dessert that’s bursting with citrus flavor. Made with a yellow cake mix and instant pudding, this ultra-moist Bundt cake is drizzled with a buttery orange glaze that soaks into every bite. It’s bright, zesty, and perfect for spring and summer gatherings or a cozy weekend treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Moist: Thanks to the pudding mix and glaze, every bite is rich and tender.
• Easy to Make: Uses cake mix for a shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
• Zesty and Bright: Fresh orange juice and zest deliver a burst of citrus.
• Crowd Favorite: Always a hit at potlucks, brunches, or family dinners.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
• 1 cup orange juice
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup orange juice
• ½ stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt cake pan.
2. Mix the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, orange juice, oil, eggs, and orange zest. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
3. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool slightly: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack over a baking sheet.
5. Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine powdered sugar, orange juice, and butter. Stir continuously until butter melts and glaze begins to bubble.
6. Glaze the cake: While the cake is still warm, poke small holes over the surface with a toothpick or skewer. Slowly pour the hot glaze over the cake, letting it soak in.
7. Cool completely before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 slices
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Cooling Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: About 3 hours

Variations

• Citrus Mix: Combine orange and lemon zest for a more complex citrus profile.
• Nuts: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a nutty crunch.
• Orange Cream: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the orange flavor.
• Lighter Glaze: Use a powdered sugar and orange juice-only glaze without butter for a thinner coating.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
• Reheating: Warm slices briefly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) to revive texture.

FAQs

What makes this cake so moist?

The combination of pudding mix and orange juice in the batter, along with the hot glaze poured over the cake, keeps it exceptionally moist.

Can I use fresh orange juice?

Yes, fresh orange juice is recommended for the brightest flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.

What’s the best pan to use?

A standard 10–12 cup Bundt pan is perfect for this recipe, as it gives the cake its classic shape and allows even baking.

Can I make this cake without a Bundt pan?

Yes, you can use a 9×13-inch pan, but adjust baking time and don’t expect the same presentation.

Is there a substitute for pudding mix?

You can omit it, but the texture may be slightly less moist and dense. Alternatively, use ½ cup sour cream as a substitute.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring all other ingredients (like pudding mix) are certified gluten-free.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

Yes, melted butter can replace the oil, but the texture will be slightly richer and denser.

How far in advance can I make this cake?

You can make it up to 2 days in advance. The flavors deepen over time, making it taste even better.

Can I use a different glaze?

Yes, try a cream cheese glaze or a simple powdered sugar drizzle with zest for variation.

Why is my cake sticking to the pan?

Be sure to grease and flour the Bundt pan thoroughly, or use a baking spray with flour included.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Orange Juice Cake is a timeless dessert that brings bright citrus flavor and incredible moistness to the table with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee, this vibrant cake is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and bring a little sunshine to your dessert plate!

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