Orange Cake Vegan Recipe: Easy, Moist, and Delicious

Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure for your taste buds! If you love the bright, sunny flavor of oranges and crave a dessert that’s both wholesome and indulgent, this vegan orange cake recipe is for you.

Bursting with fresh citrus, this cake is soft, moist, and full of zesty aroma—perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to festive celebrations. Even better, you don’t need eggs or dairy to achieve a luscious crumb and rich flavor.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just curious about plant-based treats, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you whip up a dessert that rivals traditional cakes in both taste and texture.

Baking vegan cakes used to seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and a few simple tricks, you can create magical results. The secret lies in balancing moisture, acidity, and sweetness—let oranges take the spotlight, enhanced by a hint of vanilla and a touch of olive oil.

Let’s dive into the details and discover why this vegan orange cake will become your new favorite bake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright, Fresh Flavor: The natural zest and juice from real oranges infuse every bite with sunshine.
• Incredibly Moist & Tender: Olive oil and plant-based yogurt create a dreamy, soft crumb without eggs or dairy.
• Easy to Make: No complicated steps or rare ingredients—just simple pantry staples and a few fresh oranges.
• Allergy-Friendly: This cake is naturally dairy-free and egg-free. With a couple swaps, it can also be made nut-free and gluten-free.
• Versatile: Dress it up with a citrus glaze, or keep it simple. It’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or even a sweet snack.
• Healthy Indulgence: Made with wholesome ingredients, this cake is lighter yet full of flavor—so you can enjoy a second slice without guilt.

If you’re craving more vegan baking inspiration, don’t miss our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for another naturally sweet treat!

Ingredients

Equipment

• Mixing bowls – One large, one medium
• Whisk – For blending wet and dry ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy
• Citrus zester or microplane – For zesting oranges
• Juicer or reamer – For fresh orange juice
• Rubber spatula – To fold ingredients
• 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan or loaf pan – Lined or greased
• Parchment paper – For easy removal
• Wire cooling rack – Helps the cake cool evenly
• Oven – Preheated and ready!

Instructions

1. Prep Your Pan and Oven:

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

   Set aside.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Sifting ensures a light, even crumb.

3. Prepare Wet Ingredients:

   In a separate bowl, combine fresh orange juice, orange zest, plant-based yogurt, olive oil, cane sugar, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.

4. Combine Wet and Dry:

   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the wet mixture.

   Using a rubber spatula, gently fold together until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are okay and help keep the cake tender.

5. Bake the Cake:

   Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top.

   Bake in the preheated oven for 32-38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

6. Cool Completely:

   Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake set and prevents sogginess.

7. Decorate and Serve:

   Once cool, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with a simple orange glaze (see below), or decorate with thin orange slices or candied orange peel for a festive touch.

Tip: For a quick orange glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Looking for more easy vegan baking projects? Try our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for a savory twist!

Tips & Variations

• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for wheat flour. Check for xanthan gum in the blend for best texture.
• Nut-Free Option: Use soy or coconut yogurt, and avoid nut-based toppings.
• Sugar Swaps: Coconut sugar gives a warmer, caramel note, while maple syrup adds moisture (reduce orange juice by 2 tbsp if using syrup).
• Extra Citrus: Add a tablespoon of lemon or lime zest for a more complex citrus flavor.
• Chocolate-Orange: Fold in ½ cup vegan chocolate chips or swirl in a little melted dark chocolate before baking.
• Fruity Add-Ins: Top with fresh berries, pomegranate seeds, or a scattering of chopped dried apricots for a Mediterranean twist.
• Zesty Glaze: Mix together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest for a tangy, glossy finish.
• Storage: Keep the cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.

“Cakes made with fresh citrus juice and zest deliver the brightest flavor. Always zest your oranges before juicing—it’s much easier!”

For even more flavor-packed plant-based dishes, you might love our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition estimates are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. For a lower-sugar version, try swapping half the sugar for monk fruit sweetener or stevia.

Serving Suggestions

• With Tea or Coffee: Enjoy a warm slice with English breakfast tea, chai, or a creamy oat milk latte for the perfect break.
• For Brunch: Pair with fresh fruit, a dollop of vegan yogurt, and a sprinkle of toasted seeds for a balanced spread.
• Dessert Delight: Drizzle with extra orange glaze, serve alongside vegan vanilla ice cream, or top with a spoonful of coconut whipped cream for a show-stopping finish.
• Celebrate! Add edible flowers or candied peel for a festive birthday or holiday centerpiece.
• Pack & Go: Slice and pack for picnics, kid’s lunches, or road trips—it holds up beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Pro tip: This cake is a wonderful base for creative toppings—try with berry compote, a handful of pistachios, or even a slather of vegan cream cheese for a rich twist.

Looking for other healthy and delicious vegan bakes? Check out our Vegetable Crackers Recipe for Healthy Homemade Snacking for your next kitchen project!

Conclusion

This vegan orange cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of fresh, natural flavors and mindful baking. The combination of zesty orange, tender crumb, and subtle sweetness makes it a hit with everyone, vegan or not.

Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply want to brighten an ordinary afternoon, this recipe delivers a taste of sunshine in every bite.

With easy-to-find ingredients and clear instructions, you’ll find yourself returning to this cake again and again. Remember, the beauty of vegan baking is its flexibility—adapt, experiment, and make the recipe your own.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to try our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals and explore a world of colorful, plant-based cooking. Happy baking, and may every slice be as joyful as the first!

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