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Citrusy & Irresistible! Recipe

Citrusy & Irresistible! Recipe

4.7 from 23 reviews

This Golden Upside-Down Orange Cake is a buttery, moist, and irresistibly citrusy dessert that combines the sweet caramelized flavor of brown sugar with fresh orange slices. Perfectly tender with a hint of vanilla and orange zest, this cake is a delightful way to showcase the bright, zesty flavors of oranges in a classic upside-down presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramel Base

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 oranges, thinly sliced

Cake Batter

  • 1 ½ cups flour (190 g)
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup butter, softened (115 g)
  • ¾ cup sugar (150 g)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup orange juice (120 ml)
  • ¼ cup milk (60 ml)

Optional

  • Orange glaze or freshly grated orange zest for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Heat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Make Caramel Base: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 3 tablespoons of brown sugar over low heat until caramelized. Spread this evenly on the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
  3. Arrange Orange Slices: Neatly place thinly sliced oranges over the caramel layer, ensuring even coverage to create the beautiful upside-down topping.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together 1 ½ cups flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  5. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter and ¾ cup sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale.
  6. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  7. Mix Batter: Alternately add the dry ingredients and liquids—starting and ending with dry ingredients—while mixing gently: ½ cup orange juice and ¼ cup milk. Combine until the batter is smooth and well blended.
  8. Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter evenly over the arranged orange slices in the pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
  10. Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan (about 10 minutes), then carefully invert onto a serving plate. Optionally, drizzle with orange glaze or sprinkle freshly grated orange zest before serving for an extra citrus burst.

Notes

  • Use fresh, thinly sliced oranges for the best caramelization and flavor.
  • Ensure the butter and sugar for creaming are at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • You can substitute milk with buttermilk or almond milk for variation.
  • To make an orange glaze, mix powdered sugar with a little orange juice until smooth and drizzle on top once the cake is cooled.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: upside-down cake, orange cake, citrus dessert, caramel cake, homemade cake, baking recipe, orange upside-down cake, buttery cake