Mary Berry Orange Cake Recipe

This Mary Berry Orange Cake is a light, moist sponge infused with fresh orange flavour and finished with a simple glaze that soaks beautifully into the crumb. It tastes bright and comforting at the same time, making it ideal for afternoon tea, family gatherings, or a relaxed weekend bake. The preparation is straightforward, the baking time is moderate, and the method follows classic British baking principles. Inspired by the timeless style of Mary Berry, this cake proves that simple ingredients, handled well, can deliver dependable results.

What Is Mary Berry Orange Cake?

Mary Berry Orange Cake is a traditional orange-flavoured sponge cake made with butter, sugar, eggs, and fresh orange zest and juice. The texture is soft and even, while the citrus adds a clean, fresh note without being sharp. A light orange glaze is often poured over the warm cake, helping lock in moisture and boost flavour.

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Fresh citrus flavour – natural orange taste without artificial notes
• Soft, moist crumb – stays tender for days
• Simple ingredients – pantry-friendly and reliable
• Versatile serving – works plain or dressed up
• Consistent results – easy to get right

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Orange Cake

• Unsalted butter – 175 g, softened
• Caster sugar – 175 g
• Large eggs – 3
• Self-raising flour – 175 g
• Orange zest – from 2 oranges
• Fresh orange juice – 75 ml

For the orange glaze

• Icing sugar – 100 g
• Orange juice – 2–3 tbsp

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Mixing bowl
• Electric hand whisk or wooden spoon
• Fine grater or zester
• 20 cm round cake tin
• Baking parchment

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Orange Cake

• Prepare the tin – Grease and line the cake tin, then preheat the oven.
• Cream butter and sugar – Beat until pale and fluffy to build a light structure.
• Add the eggs gradually – Mix well after each addition to avoid curdling.
• Fold in dry ingredients – Gently add flour and orange zest to keep air in the batter.
• Add orange juice – Stir just enough to create a smooth, pourable mixture.
• Bake until golden – Cook until risen, lightly golden, and springy to the touch.
• Glaze while warm – Spoon the orange glaze over the cake so it soaks in evenly.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Dense texture – Creaming the butter longer improved lightness.
• Bitter flavour – Zesting only the orange skin avoided bitterness.
• Dry edges – Lowering oven temperature slightly helped even baking.
• Uneven glaze – Applying it while the cake was warm fixed absorption.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Orange Cake

For a lighter version, replace half the butter with plain yoghurt and reduce the sugar slightly. The cake remains moist, with a softer crumb and a gentler sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Orange Cake

• Butter (175 g) – Use baking spread for convenience
• Caster sugar (175 g) – Light brown sugar adds mild caramel notes
• Self-raising flour (175 g) – Plain flour plus 2 tsp baking powder
• Orange juice (75 ml) – A mix of orange and lemon juice for brightness

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Orange Cake

• Lightly whipped cream – Softens the citrus
• Fresh berries – Add contrast and colour
• Vanilla custard – Turns it into a pudding-style dessert
• Earl Grey tea – Citrus notes complement the cake
• Plain yoghurt on the side – Keeps things balanced

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Orange Cake

• Room-temperature ingredients – Blend more smoothly
• Do not overmix – Preserves air and softness
• Check doneness early – Prevents dryness
• Use fresh oranges – Improves aroma and taste
• Glaze while warm – Locks in moisture
• Cool fully before slicing – Gives cleaner cuts

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Orange Cake

• Chocolate drizzle finish – Adds richness
• Orange and almond version – Replace some flour with ground almonds
• Spiced citrus twist – Add a pinch of cinnamon
• Orange loaf variation – Bake in a loaf tin
• Orange and poppy seed style – For added texture

Storing Mary Berry Orange Cake the Right Way

• Room temperature storage – Keep covered for up to three days
• Airtight container – Prevents drying out
• Avoid refrigeration – Can firm the crumb
• Freeze slices if needed – Wrap well and freeze up to one month

How to Reheat Mary Berry Orange Cake (If Needed)

Warm individual slices gently for a few seconds in the microwave. This refreshes the texture and releases the orange aroma without drying the cake.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~310 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~38 g
• Fats: ~16 g
• Protein: ~5 g
• Sugar: ~24 g

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Fairy Cakes
• Mary Berry Cinder Toffee Ice Cream
• Mary Berry Cheese and Onion Pie
• Mary Berry Tea Bread
• Mary Berry Lemon Tartlets
• Mary Berry Rhubarb Cake
• Mary Berry Victoria Sponge with Butter Icing

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FAQs

Why did my orange cake turn out dry?

Orange cake often turns dry if it is overbaked or mixed too much after adding the flour. Check the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time and stop mixing as soon as the batter is smooth to keep the crumb soft and moist.

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh juice?

Fresh orange juice is recommended because it gives a brighter flavour and natural aroma. Bottled juice can be used in a pinch, but the cake may taste flatter and slightly sweeter.

How do I stop my cake from sinking in the middle?

A cake usually sinks if the oven door is opened too early or if the batter is underbaked. Keep the oven closed for most of the baking time and test with a skewer near the end to ensure it is fully cooked.

Should I glaze the orange cake while it is hot or cold?

The glaze should be poured over the cake while it is still warm. This allows the glaze to soak into the sponge, keeping the cake moist and evenly flavoured.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Orange Cake is a dependable bake that fits almost any occasion. With its soft crumb, fresh citrus flavour, and simple glaze, it delivers comfort without fuss. Once you bake it once, it quickly becomes a recipe you return to whenever you want something reliable and uplifting.

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