Whole Orange Blender Cake

4.74 from 373 reviews

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My mom’s whole orange blender cake is light, 🍊 citrusy, and moist. It’s always on rotation in my house. I know it’s crazy, but this cake combines a few simple ingredients in the blender, including a whole orange, to make the most amazing cake. My mom and I worked on this recipe to bring you the easiest and most flavorful coffee cake ever! The subtle hints of orange and lemon 🍋 make this cake irresistible.

Why You’ll Love Whole Orange Blender Cake

Using a 🍊 whole orange, blended to perfection, infuses the cake with a zesty and citrusy element that is both refreshing and healthy. Some citrus cake recipes require you to zest, peel, or juice an orange – not this one! All you have to do is clean and cut your orange into 🔶 quarters and toss it in the blender. Don’t worry, the resulting cake won’t reveal your secret and you’ll be making this cake on repeat, just like me!

How to Prepare

🔥 Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a loaf pan with parchment paper and baking spray.

🌀 Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender, starting with the wet ingredients. Blend for 30-40 seconds until a thick pourable batter forms. Do not over-blend!

♨️ Pour the batter into the lined pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean 2 inches from the side.

🧊 Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then remove it from the loaf pan.

❄️ Once cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy!

Nonna’s Tip 🍊

I used a Navel orange which was sweet. Do NOT over-blend this cake. If your blender is not powerful enough to break down the orange peel, please zest it, peel it and use that instead. I use a Vitamix and blend only for 20-30 seconds. 

Variations and Substitutions for Whole Orange Blender Cake

Remember to adjust quantities accordingly and have fun experimenting with these variations to create your best version of my whole orange cake 🧡 that suits your preferences!

  1. You can use alternative flours such as almond flour, 🥥 coconut flour, or 1-1 gluten-free flour for a gluten-free cake.
  2. Feel free to experiment with 🍯 honey, maple syrup, or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar if you prefer a natural sweetener.
  3. Add chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
  4. Include shredded coconut or grated 🥕 carrots for additional texture.

Other Coffee Cake Recipes

Best Served With

  • Coffee or tea 🫖
  • Other loaf cakes, like my Carrot Cake or cookies with a brunch

Common Questions

What type of orange should I use?

I used a Navel orange which was seedless and sweet. You could also use a Cara Cara orange. If you are unsure if your orange is bitter, peel it and throw it in peeled! You can also add the zest as well.

CAN I USE A FOOD PROCESSOR?

Yes you may. However, if the food processor is not powerful enough it may not break down the skin. To be sure, please peel the fruit and add the zest as well.

Would this recipe work with a Cara Cara orange?

As per your feedback, this recipe would work with a Cara Cara orange.

Could I use a blood orange for this recipe?

I have not tested this, but yes, you can experiment with a blood orange for this recipe. Your cake may turn out a different color (maybe pink!).

How long should I blend the batter for?

Do NOT over-blend this cake. If your blender is not powerful enough to break down the orange peel, please zest it, peel it and use that instead. I use a Vitamix and blend only for 20-30 seconds. 

Can I make this orange cake gluten-free?

I have not tried making this cake gluten-free but you could try using a gluten-free 1-to-1 all-purpose flour for baking. Let me know if you try it and how it comes out!

Would this recipe work with clementines?

Certainly, you can use clementines or tangerines to prepare this cake. Click HERE to make my Clementine Cake.

Could I add poppy seeds to this recipe?

You can add poppy seeds to this recipe!

Can I adjust the recipe for keto, low-carb, or other diets?

If you have any dietary preferences (like keto or low-carb), you will have to experiment with a 1-to-1 monk fruit sweetener and various other alternatives. Please let us know in the comments of this blog how you made this cake differently so others can learn as well.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the cake?

You can always adjust the sugar in this recipe as it’s not overly sweet. Feel free to add more if you like your baked goods sweeter. Alternatively, you could do less sugar if you’re trying to cut sugar out.

How will I know when the cake is done?

The bake time will depend on the oven and what type of pan you use, so please keep a good eye on it.

What type of pan do you use?

I use a ceramic, non-stick loaf pan for this recipe. You can use a different type of pan, but please keep a close eye on it as the baking time may reduce or increase.

How do you prepare the pan for baking?

I like to spray and line the loaf pan for easier cleanup, but feel free to butter and flour it if you wish to do so as well.

Do I have to use the lemon extract?

The lemon extract is optional. I would use lemon zest instead of lemon juice, as it has a stronger flavor, like the extract.

How do I store the cake?

You can store this cake, covered, on the counter for a few days but it probably won’t last you that long!

Can I use a lemon instead of an Orange?

Certainly, you can use Meyer Lemon to prepare this cake. Click HERE to make my Whole Lemon Blender Cake.

Could I use almond flour in place of all-purpose flour?

Although I have not tried this cake with almond flour, you will have to experiment. You will have to experiment but always add a little at a time until you have the proper consistency. 

How should I clean my oranges before using them in a recipe?

To ensure lemons/oranges are clean, you can soak them in a vinegar and water solution and scrub them to draw out any impurities. Mix 1/4 cup of vinegar + 2 cups of water and soak for 5-10 minutes. Rinse and use as directed. 

What type of oil can I use for this recipe?

Any oil will work for this cake. You can also use melted butter if you’d like.

Can I substitute butter for the oil?

Yes, you can certainly use butter instead of oil for this recipe.

Would this recipe work in a Nutribullet?

A Nutribullet is not nearly as powerful, but If you try it in a Nutribullet, I would suggest peeling the orange before blending.

What if my cake comes out too dense?

Always check the baking powder and flour before use! If the cake comes out too dense and not fluffy or moist, the baking powder is most likely out of date.

How can I check if my baking powder is still good?

You can test if your baking powder has expired by adding ½ teaspoon baking powder to ¼ cup hot water. If the water bubbles up, it’s not expired; if it does not bubble, it’s expired and should be tossed. When using baking powder, always check the expiration date. Expired baking powder will not help your recipe rise in the oven, and you’ll have a sad, deflated cake.

Why are the metric weights of your ingredients different than the results of Google and my kitchen scale?

While 1 cup of flour weighs 160g in my kitchen, it might weigh anywhere from 120 to 180g in your kitchen and there’s a few reasons for that. The weight of ingredients may vary due to the brand of ingredients, the brand and style (wet vs dry) of measuring cups and spoons, and the technique for measuring into cups: scooping and leveling versus spooning the ingredients into the cup measure. For best results, go by the weight listed in the recipe.

5 from 373 reviews

Whole Orange Blender Cake

Three slices of golden yellow Whole Orange Blender Cake are arranged on a white plate. The cake appears moist and fluffy, with a slightly browned edge and small air pockets throughout the slices.
Did you know if you put a whole orange in a blender you can make the most epic cake? If you have been looking for an easy and moist orange cake, you’ve come to the right place. All the ingredients are combined in a blender, making this whole orange cake one of the simplest cakes.
Makes: 13 slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
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Ingredients

  • avocado oil spray
  • 4 eggs, at room temperature
  • ¾ cup avocado oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 whole seedless navel orange, washed, quartered, and seeds removed
  • 1 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ tablespoon baking powder, (make sure it's not expired)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  • Please check if the baking powder or flour is expired prior to starting.
  • Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and spray with baking spray. You can use a bigger size pan as well, but the cake will be larger and thinner, so you may need to adjust the baking time.
  • Add all of the ingredients to a high-power blender, starting with the wet ingredients. Be sure to add the wet ingredients first so that the blender doesn't get stuck. Blend for 20-30 to seconds or until a thick pourable batter forms. Do NOT over-blend.
  • Pour the batter into the lined pan and bake on the middle rack for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean 2 inches from the side.
  • Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Take the cake out of the loaf pan and once it has cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar, if using. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Whole Orange Blender Cake
Amount per Serving
Calories
260
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
14
g
22
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Trans Fat
 
0.01
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
9
g
Cholesterol
 
50
mg
17
%
Sodium
 
183
mg
8
%
Potassium
 
40
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
 
30
g
10
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
15
g
17
%
Protein
 
4
g
8
%
Vitamin A
 
74
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
 
0.04
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
51
mg
5
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

4.74 from 373 votes (296 ratings without comment)

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276 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made it this morning. Delicious. I didn’t have lemon extract, so used the juice of one lemon as you mentioned. I used self rising flour b/c that’s what I had. I did something a bit different, I used the blender for the orange and wet ingredients, then mixed in dry ingredients by hand. I also used stevia in place of sugar. You are right, it is not overly sweet. It turned out perfect. Next time I will add a glaze on top. Thank you!

  2. 10/10 I put juice of 1 more orange and it was perfection. Love that I could see bits of the orange zest. Lovely!

  3. If you are just using juice of orange, how much should we expect? In case my orange is over juicy or under juicy?

  4. Oh my goodness ! What an amazing recipe. When I finished whipping the orange etc.it reminded me of an Orange Julius .
    I made mine GF and served it to friends who could not believe it was GF because it was so moist and delicious ! This will be a definite go to recipe! Thank you !

    Sharon

  5. 5 stars
    I made this and it was loved by the whole family! I even screwed up and cooked it a higher temp. Did a bit of a mistake in my head (F to C), which is crazy because I convert all the time. Anyway, turned out great and it was a success for me even before I put it in the oven I could have eaten the entire batter with a spoon out of the bowl! Thanks!

    1. IF it’s powerful and able to process the orange skin. If you’re nervous I would say add the juice and zest instead

  6. Can’t wait to make this cake today!!! I don’t have a blender, but I believe I can put the ingredients in a bowl and use a hand mixer??? By doing it this way, how much juice of the orange is needed? Is it still the juice of one orange plus the zest of that one orange?

    Can’t wait to hear back from you so I can make it!!

    Thanks so much for all your lovely recipes!!!

    Xoxo
    Dina

  7. I made the cake using coconut oil, monk fruit -erythritol sweetener and glutenfree flour. I did add 1 tsp of baking powder, but otherwise began with exact recipe amounts. The batter was a bit thick so I added an extra 1/2 of orange which helped balance the moisture of the batter. The taste was amazing and the cake was very moist! I think next time I might add a little coconut and possibly sugarfee dark chocolate! Thanks for an easy snack!