Orange swirl cake is a simple and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion! This moist and flavorful cake is made with fresh oranges and topped with a delicate orange-flavored glaze.
This orange cake is truly irresistible. The orange flavor is bright and fresh yet not overwhelming. It’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it!
I found this recipe after my grandma (Gigi) passed away. There was an old shoebox that was stuffed with family recipes or recipes that my Gigi had gathered over the years.
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This orange swirl pound cake has a big note on it in my Gigi’s handwriting that said, “THE BEST!!” She actually named this recipe Orange Juice Ripple Cake, but since there wasn’t any orange juice in the pound cake recipe, I omitted that.
After the cake was done baking, my dad and I decided it would be delicious to add a light orange glaze. A frosting would work too, but I was worried it would overpower the orange pound cake, and it is the star of the show.
What is a swirl cake?
A swirl cake is a cake that has been mixed with a spoon in order to create a spiral pattern. This type of cake is usually made with two batter colors, chocolate and vanilla.
Swirl cakes can also be made with other flavor combinations, such as strawberry and chocolate. To make a swirl cake, the baker will start by spooning one color of batter into the cake pan.
Then, they will spoon the second color of batter on top of the first, and use a knife to swirl the two colors together. The result is a cake with a beautiful spiral design.
Swirl Cake Tips
What’s the difference between frosting and glaze?
A frosting is usually thicker and denser than a glaze and is used to coat the outside or top of a cake. A glaze is thinner and often has a glossy sheen to it, and is used to drizzle over the top of baked goods. For this cake, I used the glaze from my Best Ever Lemon Poppyseed Cake.
Both are made with sugar, butter, and milk (or cream), but frostings typically have more sugar and butter than glazes. Frostings may also include flavorings such as vanilla extract, while glazes are usually flavored with citrus juice or zest.
This orange swirl cake was my grandma’s favorite and now it might be mine, too! Tender, soft cake that’s bursting with orange citrus – every bite is a dream. Enjoy! XOXO San
More Spring Cakes we love
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Orange Swirl Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 3/4 cup +2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 e eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 3/4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon orange peel
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Orange Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- orange zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a bundt pan then set aside.
- Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Cream together 1 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, and 3 eggs in an electric mixer. Blend in sour cream.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Slowly add to mixer. Stir in grated orange peel.
- Pour about 1/3 of the batter into the pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Cover with another 1/3 batter, sprinkle with remaining sugar, then top with the rest of the batter. Use a knife to cut through batter to marble/swirl together gently.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, then let cool for 10 before turning out of the pan onto a wire cooling rack. Let cool completely while making the glaze.
- With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat until combined, then add orange juice and milk until you reach the desired consistency. It should be smooth and pourable but not too thin so it can set.
- Pour glaze over cooled cake and top with orange zest as a garnish. Slice and serve!
Orange is one of my favorite flavors in anything, so I can’t wait to make this. It sounds delicious, and it looks so pretty.
I love any dessert that has orange flavor in it. This looks delicious! Thank you for sharing!
Hello, this orange swirl cake tastes great, super delicious. It is highly recommended. Thanks for the recipe!
I’m seriously drooling over this goodness! I would love to make this!
Making this is something I’m looking forward to because orange is one of my favorite flavors. It looks gorgeous and has a delectable sound. I’m salivating so much over this deliciousness! I wish I could make this!