Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Orange Sponge Cake

There’s nothing better than the fresh, zesty flavor of oranges in a light and airy sponge cake! This Orange Sponge Cake Recipe is a perfect blend of fluffy texture and citrusy sweetness, making it an excellent dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with tea, coffee, or as a special treat after dinner, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

Unlike heavy cakes loaded with butter and cream, this sponge cake is soft, delicate, and incredibly light, thanks to the technique of whipping egg whites separately and folding them into the batter. The natural orange zest and juice enhance the flavor, giving the cake a refreshing, tangy taste.

Let’s dive into this easy homemade orange sponge cake recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Orange Sponge Cake Recipee

✔ Super Light and Airy – Thanks to the whipped eggs, this cake has a soft and fluffy texture.
✔ Natural Citrus Flavor – The fresh orange zest and juice give it a fragrant and refreshing taste.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for afternoon tea, birthdays, or a simple dessert.
✔ No Butter Needed – This cake relies on eggs for structure, making it naturally lower in fat.
✔ Pairs Well with Any Topping – Enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with whipped cream and fruits.

Ingredients forOrange Sponge Cake Recipe Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs, separated
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
• 2 tablespoons orange zest (from 2 oranges)
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Dusting (Optional):

• Powdered sugar
• Thin orange slices for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Orange Sponge Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a round 9-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Zest and juice the oranges before starting to ensure you have fresh ingredients ready.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Set aside.

Step 3: Beat Egg Yolks and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the egg yolks and ¾ cup granulated sugar.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is pale and creamy.
3. Add the orange zest, fresh orange juice, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Whip the Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks

1. In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric mixer until they become foamy.
2. Gradually add 1 tablespoon of sugar, continuing to beat until the egg whites form stiff peaks.
3. When the whisk is lifted, the peaks should hold their shape without collapsing.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gently fold the dry ingredients (flour mixture) into the egg yolk mixture.
2. Mix slowly with a spatula to avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in the Whipped Egg Whites

1. Take one-third of the whipped egg whites and gently fold it into the batter to lighten it.
2. Carefully fold in the remaining egg whites in two additions, using a spatula to maintain the airy texture.
3. Do not overmix! The batter should be light and fluffy.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
3. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cooling and Serving

1. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
2. Let it cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and garnishing with thin orange slices.

How to Serve Orange Sponge Cake

Enjoy Plain – The cake is flavorful on its own!
Dust with Powdered Sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness and elegant look.
Top with Fresh Fruit – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries complement the citrus flavor.
Drizzle with Orange Glaze – Mix powdered sugar with a little orange juice for a sweet topping.
Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream – Adds an indulgent touch.

Expert Tips for the Best Orange Sponge Cake

Use Fresh Oranges – Freshly squeezed juice and zest give the best flavor.
Do Not Overmix – Overmixing can deflate the air from the egg whites, making the cake dense.
Room Temperature Eggs – Help create better volume when whipping.
Whip Egg Whites Properly – Stiff peaks ensure a light and airy texture.
Check for Doneness – A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Orange Sponge Cake Variations

Chocolate Orange Sponge Cake – Add ¼ cup cocoa powder for a citrus-chocolate twist.
Herbal Infusion – Add ½ teaspoon of cardamom or cinnamon for extra warmth.
Coconut Orange Sponge Cake – Mix in ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
Lemon-Orange Sponge Cake – Substitute half of the orange juice with lemon juice for a citrus blend.

How to Store Orange Sponge Cake Recipe

✔ Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Refrigeration: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week when covered properly.
✔ Freezing Instructions: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

Orange Sponge Cake vs. Classic Sponge Cake

Feature	Orange Sponge Cake	Classic Sponge Cake
Main Flavor	Orange zest and juice	Vanilla or butter
Texture	Soft, airy, and moist	Light and fluffy
Fat Content	Lower, uses oil instead of butter	Can be butter-based
Best Served With	Tea, coffee, fresh fruit	Cream, jam, or frosting

This orange-flavored sponge cake is a refreshing take on the classic sponge cake, making it a light and flavorful dessert for any time of the year!

Frequently Asked Questions

🔹 Can I use store-bought orange juice?
Yes, but fresh juice gives the best flavor.

🔹 Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes, but the cake will be slightly denser.

🔹 What if I don’t have a cake pan?
Use a loaf pan, but adjust the baking time to 40-45 minutes.

🔹 Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Orange Sponge Cake Recipe!

This Orange Sponge Cake Recipe is light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor! Whether you enjoy it plain, dusted with sugar, or topped with fruit, this cake is a delightful treat for any occasion.

So grab some oranges and start baking this easy, delicious sponge cake today!

Also Read :

White Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake Recipe – A Rich and Decadent Dessert!

Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe – A Moist and Flavorful Classic!

Apple Coffee Cake Recipe – A Moist, Delicious & Easy Homemade Treat