Orange Almond Layered Citrus Cake
Moist citrus-scented cake layered with almond frosting and fresh orange zest for a bright, flavorful dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 10, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter for frosting, softened
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt; set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp orange zest, and 1 tsp almond extract until combined.
- Step 4: Alternately add the flour mixture and 1/2 cup milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with flour, mixing until just combined.
- Step 5: Divide batter evenly into two 9-inch round cake pans lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Step 6: For frosting, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter until creamy, gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar and beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 7: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread half the frosting evenly over it, then top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides.
- Step 8: Garnish with 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds and additional orange zest if desired. Chill 30 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Orange Almond Layered Citrus Cake take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Orange Almond Layered Citrus Cake?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Orange Almond Layered Citrus Cake?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Orange Almond Layered Citrus Cake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Orange Almond Layered Citrus Cake?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
