This Simple Orange Bundt Cake is dense yet tender, with just the right sweetness and zesty tang. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this bright, citrusy cake will become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Simply Divine: Egg-Free Orange Bundt Cake Recipe
This Simple Orange Bundt Cake is bursting with bright, tangy flavor, boasts a dense, moist crumb, and is simple in charm. This egg-free delight is a true crowd-pleaser and will bring a smile to your face with every forkful!
In this recipe, I decided to add a fun twist by incorporating blood oranges’ vibrant and flavorful essence. Their rich, crimson flesh not only adds a pop of color to the batter and glaze but also imparts a subtly different flavor profile, with hints of berry-like sweetness and a touch of citrusy complexity. Therefore, I highly recommend trying this recipe with blood oranges if you happen to find them in your local grocery store.
Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved dessert, this cake fits the bill perfectly.
So treat yourself to this delicious dessert and enjoy it to your heart’s content!
What To Love About This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is designed with simplicity in mind, making it accessible to everybody.
- Simple Ingredients: No need to scour specialty stores for obscure components. With basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, and butter, along with the vibrant essence of fresh oranges, this recipe proves that exceptional desserts can be crafted from humble beginnings.
- Egg-Free: Perfect for those with allergies or dietary restrictions, this Orange Bundt Cake skips the eggs without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or texture. Plus, with minor adjustments, it can easily be made dairy-free, opening up the joy of indulgence to even more dessert enthusiasts.
- Texture: Thanks to the careful balance of ingredients and baking techniques, this bundt cake turns out dense yet moist, which is downright irresistible.
- Taste: Both the juice and zest infuse this dessert with a vibrant citrusy essence. With just the right amount of sugar and citrus, every mouthful strikes a perfect balance, leaving you craving another slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of any good cake, providing structure and stability to the batter. Make sure to measure accurately. In my opinion, a kitchen scale is the best way to measure your ingredients.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and achieve its tender crumb. Make sure they’re not expired or too old. To avoid a chemical aftertaste, use baking powder that is labeled aluminum-free. I usually use the Clabber Girl brand, and though the ingredients state aluminum, I’ve never noticed an aluminum aftertaste.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the cake. I prefer kosher or sea salt. If you only have table salt handy, I recommend reducing the amount to half.
- Fresh Oranges (Juice and Zest): The shining stars of this recipe, lending their bright citrus flavor and aroma to every bite. Opt for freshly squeezed juice and zest for the best results. You can use regular oranges or blood oranges.
- Milk (or Dairy-Free Alternative): Adds moisture and richness to the cake batter. Choose your preferred dairy or non-dairy option based on dietary needs.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Infuses the cake with subtle warmth and depth of flavor. Reach for pure vanilla instead of imitation for optimal flavor. Even better, try homemade vanilla extract!
- Butter (or Dairy-Free Butter): Contributes richness and tenderness to the cake. I prefer to use unsalted butter, but if you only have salted butter handy, you can use it. In this case, skip the salt called in the recipe. Swap with dairy-free/vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve that golden-brown crust. Use regular white granulated sugar or caster sugar. I do not recommend reducing the amount of sugar or changing the type of sugar, as it will change the cake’s texture.
- For the Glaze: You’ll need confectioner’s sugar and more orange juice.
Process Overview: How To Make Simple Orange Bundt Cake Without Eggs Step-by-Step
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
Step 1 – Zest and Squeeze The Oranges
It’s generally a good idea to zest the oranges before squeezing them for juice. So go ahead and zest those oranges first, then squeeze the juice bursting with citrus goodness!
Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients
Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
Step 3 – Stir Wet Ingredient
In a large bowl or liquid measuring cup, stir together orange juice, milk, and vanilla extract.
Step 4 – Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the sugar and butter until creamy and pale at medium-high speed, about 3 – 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add orange zest and mix until for 2 minutes.
Step 5 – Add Dry Ingredients
Reduce the speed to low and mix half of the flour mixture until it is just combined. Add wet ingredients mixture in three additions, scraping down the mixing bowl with a spatula, and turn the batter over several times to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated. Add the remaining half of the flour; beat just until combined. Do not overmix the batter.
Step 6 – Bake
Pour the cake mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 55 – 65 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean when poked in the center.
Step 6 – Prepare The Glaze
For the glaze, whisk the confectioners’ sugar and orange juice together in a small bowl. Drizzle over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Recipe Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients. Ensure your butter and milk are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, homogeneous batter.
- Bundt Pan Preparation. Grease and flour your bundt pan thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Measure the ingredients correctly. I highly recommend using a kitchen scale.
- Preheat the oven at least 15 minutes before starting so it can reach the ideal recipe temperature.
- Proper Zesting Technique. When zesting oranges, remove only the outer colored part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until you’ve evenly distributed the ingredients throughout the batter.
- Don’t open the oven door until your baked goods have set. Leave the oven closed until the minimum time is stated in the recipe.
- Know your oven! Every oven is different, so baking times must always be taken with a grain of salt. Oven thermostats can be wildly off, affecting baking time, so keep an eye on yours.
Food Allergy Swaps
- Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can easily swap out the dairy ingredients for non-dairy alternatives. Instead of milk, use non-dairy milk like soy or oat milk. And use vegan butter instead of dairy butter. There are many brands available in stores. I usually use Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks. Check out my favorite dairy-free substitutes here.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free, all-purpose flour blend. Look for a gluten-free flour blend specifically formulated for baking, as it will have the right combination of flours and starches to mimic the texture of wheat flour. My favorite is Better Batter Original Blend.
Variations & Additions
- Lemon Twist: Swap the oranges for lemons to create a zesty Lemon Bundt Cake with a delightful citrus kick.
- Almond Infusion: Add a splash of almond extract to the batter for a subtle nutty undertone that complements the citrus flavor beautifully.
- Chocolate Glaze: Alternatively, drizzle the finished cake with a decadent chocolate glaze for an irresistible chocolate-orange combination.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 – 4 days.
Freeze: Let the cake cool completely. Wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap to ensure it is tightly sealed. If you like, you can also add an extra layer of aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn. Defrost at room temperature before serving. The cake will lose some of its fluffiness if refrigerated or frozen.
PRO-TIP: When a baked cake, even one with frosting, is left uncovered at room temperature, it tends to dry out rapidly. To maintain its freshness, it’s best to wrap the cake in plastic wrap first and then aluminum foil. Then, store the cake in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and moisture for as long as possible. This method effectively seals in moisture and creates a barrier against the drying effects of air.
Frequently Asked Questions
While fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled juice in a pinch. Just be sure to choose high-quality, pure orange juice without any added sugars or preservatives.
Absolutely! The glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness and a glossy finish, but the cake is delicious on its own if you prefer to skip it.
Absolutely! Incorporating blood oranges can add a delightful twist to this cake, infusing it with their unique flavor and vibrant color.
When a baked cake, even one with frosting, is left uncovered at room temperature, it tends to dry out rapidly. To maintain its freshness, it’s best to wrap the cake in plastic wrap first and then aluminum foil. Then, store the cake in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and moisture for as long as possible. This method effectively seals in moisture and creates a barrier against the drying effects of air.
More Bundt Cake Recipes You’ll Love!
Recipe Card 📖
Simple Orange Bundt Cake (Egg-Free)
This Simple Orange Bundt Cake is dense yet tender, with just the right sweetness and zesty tang. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this bright, citrusy cake will become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Instructions
Make the Eggless Orange Cake:
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Preheat the oven to 350º F (180º C). Generously spray a 12-cup fluted tube cake pan with baking spray. Lightly coat with flour and set aside.
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In a large bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl or liquid measuring cup, stir together orange juice, milk, and vanilla extract.
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In a large bowl, beat the sugar and butter until creamy and pale at medium-high speed, about 3 – 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add orange zest and mix until for 2 minutes.
-
Reduce speed to low and mix half of the flour mixture until just combined. Add wet ingredients mixture in three additions, scraping down the mixing bowl with a spatula, and turn the batter over several times to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated. Add the remaining half of the flour; beat just until combined. Do not overmix the batter.
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Pour the cake mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 55 – 65 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean when poked in the center.
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Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 20-30 minutes inside the pan. Then, invert the slightly cooled bundt cake onto a wire rack or serving dish. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
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For the glaze, whisk the confectioners’ sugar and orange juice together in a small bowl, adding a little more sugar or orange juice as needed to make a smooth, thick, but pourable glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Transfer to a flat cake plate or cake stand. Serve at room temperature.
Oranges: You can use regular oranges or blood oranges.
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 – 4 days.
Freeze: Let the cake cool completely. Wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap to ensure it is tightly sealed. If you like, you can also add an extra layer of aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn. Defrost at room temperature before serving. The cake will lose some of its fluffiness if refrigerated or frozen.
Recipe Tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients. Ensure your butter and milk are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, homogeneous batter.
- Bundt Pan Preparation. Grease and flour your bundt pan thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Measure the ingredients correctly. I highly recommend using a kitchen scale.
- Preheat the oven at least 15 minutes before starting so it has plenty of time to reach the ideal recipe temperature.
- Proper Zesting Technique. When zesting oranges, remove only the outer colored part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until you’ve evenly distributed the ingredients throughout the batter.
- Don’t open the oven door until your baked goods have been set. Leave the oven closed until the minimum time is stated in the recipe.
- Know your oven! Every oven is different, so baking times always have to be taken with a grain of salt. Oven thermostats can be wildly off, and that will all affect baking time, so keep an eye on yours.
- Storage Tip. When a baked cake, even one with frosting, is left uncovered at room temperature, it tends to dry out rapidly. To maintain its freshness, it’s best to wrap the cake in plastic wrap first and then aluminum foil. Then, store the cake in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and moisture for as long as possible. This method effectively seals in moisture and creates a barrier against the drying effects of air.
Food Allergy Swaps
- Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can easily swap out the dairy ingredients for non-dairy alternatives. Instead of milk, use non-dairy milk like soy or oat milk. And use vegan butter instead of dairy butter. There are many brands available in stores. I usually use Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks. Check out my favorite dairy-free substitutes here.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free, all-purpose flour blend. Look for a gluten-free flour blend specifically formulated for baking, as it will have the right combination of flours and starches to mimic the texture of wheat flour. My favorite is Better Batter Original Blend.
Variations
- Lemon Twist: Swap the oranges for lemons to create a zesty Lemon Bundt Cake with a delightful citrus kick.
- Almond Infusion: Add a splash of almond extract to the batter for a subtle nutty undertone that complements the citrus flavor beautifully.
- Chocolate Glaze: Alternatively, drizzle the finished cake with a decadent chocolate glaze for an irresistible chocolate-orange combination.
Read the whole post for more tips, tricks, variations, step-by-step photos, faqs, and more.
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Please note that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary depending on the products used.
Nutrition
Calories: 448kcalCarbohydrates: 80gProtein: 6gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 401mgPotassium: 126mgFiber: 1gSugar: 37gVitamin A: 559IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 131mgIron: 2mg
