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Orange Lemon Cake

Bright, citrusy, and wonderfully simple to make, this Orange Lemon Cake is the kind of recipe that feels just right for spring and summer gatherings, afternoon coffee breaks, or a fresh finish to dinner. The combination of orange and lemon juice with fragrant zest gives every bite a light, sunny flavor, while the Greek yogurt keeps the cake soft and moist without feeling too heavy. It’s an easy homemade dessert that looks beautiful on the table, especially topped with icing and fresh orange slices, yet it uses everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for guests or simply treating yourself, this cake brings a fresh-from-the-oven comfort that’s hard to resist.

 

Prep: 25 minutes | Bake: 45 minutes | Total: 70 minutes

Yields: 1 cake

Ingredients

• 5 Eggs
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt 
• Juice from one orange and one lemon
• Zest from one orange and one lemon
• 1 ¼ cup Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 ¼ cups Flour
 
This cake looks great served on a Coupe Dinner Plate.

Orange Lemon Cake

 
  1. Preheat the oven to 320 F and prep a 9-inch baking pan with oil spray and parchment paper.
  2. Carefully separate the egg whites from the egg yolks. Using electric mixer mix egg whites and gradually add sugar over medium speed.
  3. Add the egg yolks, orange and lemon zest, yogurt, vanilla and vegetable oil and mix over low speed until combined.
  4. Add the flour and baking powder and mix until there are no flour lumps visible.
  5. Pour the batter into a pan and transfer to the oven.
  6. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
  7. Top the cake with icing and orange slices . Cut, serve and enjoy!

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also enjoy our Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe as well!

Frequently Asked Questions

Emerson Creek’s Orange Lemon Cake is an easy-to-please and make recipe find it above – and remember using fresh orange and lemon juice is best! 

To freeze Orange Lemon Cake, let the cake cool completely first. Any leftover warmth will create condensation and make the texture soggy once thawed.

For a whole cake or large slices:

  • Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap.
  • Add a second layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container.
  • Label it with the date.

For individual slices:

  • Wrap each slice separately so you can thaw only what you need.
  • Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag or airtight container.

If your cake has glaze or frosting, it’s best to freeze it uncovered for about 1 hour first so the topping firms up, then wrap it carefully.

The cake freezes well for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or let slices sit at room temperature for about 1–2 hours. A quick 10-second warm-up in the microwave can bring back that fresh-baked softness and brighten the citrus flavor.

An Orange Lemon Cake pairs best with icing that keeps the citrus flavor bright instead of overly heavy. Here are a few especially good options:

  • Classic citrus glaze — powdered sugar mixed with fresh orange and lemon juice. It soaks slightly into the cake and gives it that bakery-style finish.
  • Cream cheese frosting — tangy and rich without overpowering the fruit flavors. Adding a little orange zest makes it even better.
  • Whipped mascarpone icing — lighter and less sweet, with a soft creamy texture that feels a little more elevated.
  • Lemon buttercream — sweeter and more traditional if you want a celebration-style cake.
  • Vanilla glaze — simple and mellow if you want the orange and lemon to stay center stage.

Orange Lemon Cake pairs especially well with flavors that are fresh, lightly creamy, or slightly tart. A few favorites:

  • Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries
  • Vanilla bean ice cream
  • Homemade whipped cream
  • Lemon curd or orange marmalade
  • Mascarpone or lightly sweetened cream cheese
  • Hot tea, especially Earl Grey or chamomile
  • Coffee with cream
  • Sparkling lemonade or citrus iced tea for brunch
  • Toasted almonds or pistachios for a little crunch

For spring and summer gatherings, serving it with berries and whipped cream keeps it light and bright. For holidays or cooler weather, a cream cheese frosting and coffee make it feel a little richer and cozy

Agnieszka (Aga) Bodes is an experienced photographer and recipe developer. She has been professional blogger, creator, and photographer since 2011. Born in Poland and residing in Canada, Aga draws inspiration from the beauty of Mother Nature – using natural light while highlighting freshly foraged fruits, vegetables, and foliage in her light-filled work. Aga first found one of Emerson Creek’s Brown Bag Designs Shortbread Pans at a yard sale in 2020 and was inspired to use it in her photography. Happily, she tagged Emerson Creek Pottery with the photo, and the rest is history. Today, Aga Bodes creates delicious recipes specifically for Emerson Creek Pottery. Learn more about Aga and see some of her creative work on her website, AgaBodes.com.

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