
This Orange Cake is a delightfully moist dessert made with yellow cake mix and orange gelatin for a bold citrus flavor. A warm glaze made from fresh orange juice, powdered sugar, and butter is poured over the cake straight from the oven, soaking in to create a sweet and tangy finish. It's a simple recipe with nostalgic charm, often served at gatherings, potlucks, or as a sunny weekend treat. The inclusion of orange gelatin is a clever twist that enhances both flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 pkg yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 pkg orange gelatin (3 oz)
- ¾ cup water
- 4 eggs
- ¾ cup corn oil (e.g., Mazola)
Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 6 tbsp orange juice (juice of ½ orange)
- 1 tsp melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Batter
- In a large bowl, combine yellow cake mix, orange gelatin, and 4 eggs.
- Add ¾ cup water and beat well until smooth.
- Add ¾ cup corn oil and beat again until fully blended.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour batter into a greased 13×9-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
- In a bowl, combine 2 cups powdered sugar with the juice of 1½ oranges.
- Add 1 tbsp melted butter and mix until smooth.
Step 4: Glaze the Cake
- Remove the cake from the oven and immediately prick the surface all over with a fork.
- Pour the glaze evenly over the hot cake, allowing it to soak in.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips
- Let the cake cool slightly before pouring on the glaze so it absorbs evenly.
- Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for the brightest flavor.
- Poke holes with a fork or skewer while the cake is still warm for deeper glaze penetration.
- Chill the cake after glazing for a firmer, more gelatin-set texture.
- Substitute lemon gelatin and lemon juice for a lemon version.
- Add a light whipped cream topping before serving.
- Garnish with orange zest for presentation.
- Cut into smaller squares for dessert tables or potlucks.
Nutrition
Calories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 330mgPotassium: 75mgSugar: 35gVitamin A: 140IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.1mg
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