Orange cake recipes and other orange desserts to brighten your day
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a moist, syrup-drenched orange cake can brighten any day. Paired with a cup of tea or a scoop of ice cream, it’s an instant mood booster.
“Once baked, they’re the perfect combination of creamy, custardy and crunchy, all at the same time.”
In this collection, oranges take the lead — zested, juiced, caramelised or candied. You’ll find them in classic orange cake recipes with sticky citrus syrups, but also starring in other orange desserts. There are elegant tarts and grown-up granitas that refresh with every spoonful; custards infused with orange; churros made with orange juice, and simple bakes that let the fruit shine.
Whether you’re in the mood for something rich and comforting or light and bright, these orange cake recipes and orange desserts answer the call.
The best orange cake recipes and orange desserts to make in 2026.
“Think of this as twice-baked brioche,” says Curtis Stone. “Once baked, they’re the perfect combination of creamy, custardy and crunchy, all at the same time.”
Lovers of custard, this is the dessert for you. Creamy custard baked between gauzy layers of filo pastry and drizzled with orange syrup. It doesn’t get better than this.
When searching for warm-weather desserts, it’s hard to go past the lightness of a panna cotta. This one also makes the most of blood orange’s slightly bitter notes for a finale that’s not too heavy.
