Imagine a dessert so irresistibly moist and bursting with citrusy sunshine that it could make even the most serious food critic swoon! This Orange Kiss Me Cake isn't just another ordinary dessert – it's a tantalizing journey of flavor that transforms a simple cake mix into a gourmet experience. With its perfect balance of sweet orange glaze and tender cake, this recipe promises to be your new go-to crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds (and begging for the recipe)!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box orange cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and 1/2 cup of orange juice. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well-blended.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a uniform surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the orange glaze by mixing the remaining 1/2 cup orange juice, sugar, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Once the cake is done, remove from the oven and immediately poke holes across the top of the warm cake using a fork or skewer.
- Slowly pour the warm orange glaze over the hot cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and cover the entire surface.
- For the final frosting, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth, creating a light glaze.
- Drizzle the milk glaze over the cooled cake in a decorative pattern.
- Let the cake cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the glaze to set.
- Cut into 12 equal servings and serve at room temperature. Optional: Garnish with orange zest or fresh orange segments for extra flavor.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure eggs and other liquid ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother, more even batter.
- Don't Overmix: When combining cake mix ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Hole-Poking Technique: Use a fork or wooden skewer to create plenty of holes for the glaze to penetrate deeply into the cake.
- Glaze While Hot: Pour the orange glaze over the cake while it's still warm to maximize flavor absorption.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool entirely before adding the final milk glaze to ensure it sets properly.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Zest Boost: For an extra flavor punch, add some fresh orange zest to the cake batter or use it as a garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg
