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.
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 2025
Candied orange and marmalade tart with burnt butter pastry
When oranges are at their peak, savour this one slice by slice.
Kafeneion’s Greek fillo orange cake with orange syrup (portokalopita)
Melbourne Greek pop-up Kafeneion shares its syrupy orange cake recipe that uses fillo instead of flour for an interesting texture.
Orange-scented cheesecake with figs and Amaro syrup
This light cheesecake pairs perfectly with sweet pan-roasted figs and Amaro di Angostura syrup.
Hazelnut and blood orange cake
Australian Gourmet Traveller recipe for blood orange and hazelnut cake.
Mike McEnearney’s blood orange cake
A go-to cake recipe during citrus season.
Napier Quarter’s frangipane tart with orange and sweet labne
A versatile tart that’s best made with seasonal fruit, and served with homemade jam.
Phil Wood’s semolina cake with orange ice-cream and eggnog custard
With the Laura chef’s dessert, it’s Christmas time, every time.
Curtis Stone’s orange bostock
“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.”
Gingerbread cake with yoghurt, dates and burnt-orange caramel
Sugar and spice make this layer cake an impressive festive dessert.
Orange and almond cake with Campari sorbet
Australian Gourmet Traveller recipe for orange and almond cake with Campari sorbet.
Orange custard cream layer cake
This three-tiered sponge cake, bursting with the flavours of citrus, is a superb addition to any large gathering.
Orange, cardamom and almond cake with orange-blossom yoghurt
A wonderful, fragrant alternative to fruitcake.
Choc-orange cake with Jaffa buttercream
Get the party started with this classic chocolate-orange cake, with a rich buttercream and crushed Jaffas.
Rhubarb, pistachio and orange cakes
Australian Gourmet Traveller dessert recipe for rhubarb, pistachio and orange cakes
Yoghurt and orange-blossom puddings
Australian Gourmet Traveller recipe for yoghurt and orange-blossom puddings.
Ube babka with blood orange
The addition of ube is a new-wave take on the classic babka.
Citrus waffles with honey labne
Australian Gourmet Traveller recipe for citrus waffles with honey labne.
Honey and saffron rice pudding with sesame brittle
Simple and immensely satisfying.
Crêpes Suzette
The ultimate dessert crêpes.
Ciao Papi’s Campari and orange granita
Equal parts boozy and refreshing.
Citrus dessert: Orange and lemon sorbet
This recipe from cook Diana Chan is equal parts sweet and tangy.
Rum baba with orange cream
Australian Gourmet Traveller recipe for rum baba with orange cream by Subo.
Fennel and orange sugared brioche
A little bit of spice makes this brioche extra nice.
Frozen sheep’s milk yoghurt with mint syrup and blood oranges
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Hellenika’s galatoboureko
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.
Orange and chocolate ricotta fritters with honey
Australian Gourmet Traveller Italian dessert recipe for orange and chocolate ricotta fritters with honey
Orange-scented churros with spiked hot chocolate
Australian Gourmet Traveller Spanish dessert recipe for orange-scented churros with spiked hot chocolate.
Orange mousse
Australian Gourmet Traveller Caribbean dessert recipe for orange mousse
Chocolate and candied-orange madeleines
Australian Gourmet Traveller French dessert recipe for chocolate and candied-orange madeleines.
Fennel bomboloni with orange jam
Australian Gourmet Traveller Italian dessert recipe for fennel bombolini (doughnuts) with orange jam.
Peach and orange puddings with orange-blossom syrup
Australian Gourmet Traveller Christmas dessert recipe for peach and orange puddings with orange-blossom syrup.
Burnt orange marmalade soufflé
Australian Gourmet Traveller French dessert recipe for burnt orange marmalade soufflé.
Chocolate, pistachio and orange-blossom truffles
Australian Gourmet Traveller Valentine’s Day recipe for chocolate, pistachio and orange-blossom truffles.
Orange-scented schiacciata
Australian Gourmet Traveller Italian Easter dessert recipe for orange-scented schiacciata.
Orange blossom milk puddings with mandarin
This delicate dessert is lightly scented with orange and mandarin and is a perfect way to embrace citrus season.
Apricots poached in orange muscat with mascarpone and almonds
Australian Gourmet Traveller recipe for apricots poached in orange muscat with mascarpone and almonds.
Panna cotta with blood orange and juniper syrup
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.
Orange-rhubarb and chocolate yeasted loaf
Dessert recipe for orange-rhubarb and chocolate yeasted loaf.
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