Name: Orange Upside-Down Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature (divided: 6 tbsp for batter, 2 tbsp for greasing); 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (divided: 1 cup for batter, 1/4 cup for topping); 1 cup whole milk; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 7 mandarin oranges, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 76 reviews

If you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s bursting with citrusy brightness and old-fashioned charm, this Orange Upside-Down Cake Recipe is a must-try. Picture tender, buttery cake baked atop caramelized mandarin orange slices that create a glossy, flavorful crown when flipped—a showstopper for any occasion. The balance of sweet and tangy, combined with the soft, moist crumb, makes every bite utterly irresistible and a joyful celebration of fresh oranges in every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a clear round bowl filled with bright orange slices positioned at the bottom. Above it, there is a larger clear round bowl filled with white flour. Next to the flour bowl, six white eggs sit in a beige carton. Near the eggs is a rectangular yellow block of salted sweet cream butter. To the left of the butter, there is a small white bowl with white powdered sugar and another small white bowl with dark brown vanilla extract. Below these, there is a larger white bowl filled with thick white cream. The ingredients are all well spaced and brightly lit, giving a clean and fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect Orange Upside-Down Cake Recipe starts with a handful of simple, classic ingredients that each play a vital role. From the richness of butter to the fresh brightness of mandarin oranges, every component contributes to the taste, texture, and beautiful color of this cake.

Salted butter (10 tablespoons): Using butter at room temperature helps achieve a smooth, creamy batter and adds rich flavor.
All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The essential base that gives your cake structure and tenderness.
Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups): Divided between caramelizing the orange slices and sweetening the cake batter.
Whole milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and helps keep the cake soft.
Large eggs (2): Bind everything together while providing richness.
Pure vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): A splash of warmth and depth to the batter’s flavor.
Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Ensures your cake rises beautifully and stays light.
Mandarin oranges (7 sliced): The star ingredient, providing juicy bursts of citrus sweetness and visual appeal.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): For the silky, glossy glaze that finishes the cake with a citrus zing.
Freshly squeezed orange juice (1/2 cup): Adds bright flavor to the glaze, enhancing the orange theme throughout.

How to Make Orange Upside-Down Cake Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get things warming while you work on the batter. Cream together ½ cup of room-temperature butter and one cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is important as it incorporates air, which will help create a light texture for your cake.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Next, add the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract to the buttery mixture. Mix on low speed until everything blends uniformly and the batter is free of lumps, especially making sure the egg yolks are thoroughly incorporated. This ensures a velvety texture without overmixing.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly, which is key for the cake to rise properly. Slowly add this flour mixture to your wet ingredients, folding carefully with a spatula until just combined. The goal here is to keep your batter light and tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Pan and Oranges

Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with the remaining two tablespoons of butter, paying special attention to the sides. Then sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar evenly over the buttered base. Arrange the mandarin orange slices in a single layer over the sugared surface—this will transform into a beautiful caramelized topping once baked.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter gently over the orange slices, spreading it evenly. Pop your cake into the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will start filling with the wonderful smell of citrus and buttery cake.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Allow the cake to cool slightly while you whisk together the orange juice and powdered sugar to make a smooth glaze. When the cake is just warm enough to handle, carefully invert it onto a wire rack or serving platter so the caramelized oranges are now on top. Drizzle the luscious citrus glaze over the cake, letting it soak into every nook and cranny. Then, allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve Orange Upside-Down Cake Recipe

A round cake topped with many thin orange slices covering the entire surface, with a light drizzle of white icing on top. The cake sits on a round wooden cake stand placed on a white marbled surface. To the left side, there is a white cloth with red stripes draped casually. On the right, there are four golden forks arranged with their handles pointing away from the cake. The overall setting is bright and clean, emphasizing the fresh look of the cake photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves can brighten up your slices even more. For an indulgent touch, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the tangy oranges beautifully, balancing the sweetness and adding creaminess.

Side Dishes

Pair this Orange Upside-Down Cake with a light, refreshing salad or a cup of herbal tea to cleanse the palate. Mild cheeses such as mascarpone or ricotta make for delightful accompaniments, enhancing the citrus flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve individual mini cakes in ramekins using the same recipe scaled down or present slices atop decorative dessert plates garnished with fresh orange zest. You can also create a layered parfait with crumbled cake, whipped cream, and fresh fruit for an elegant twist on this classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture. Kept at room temperature, it stays fresh for about two days. Refrigeration is better for up to five days but bring the cake to room temperature before serving to recapture its softness.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this cake by wrapping them securely and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake will keep well for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently in the oven or microwave before serving to revive that freshly baked texture.

Reheating

To enjoy a slice warm, pop it into a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave briefly in 15-second intervals. Adding a small pat of butter when reheating can help restore moistness and enhance flavor, making every bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use regular oranges instead of mandarin oranges?

Absolutely! Regular oranges will work well, though they have a slightly different flavor and size. If using fresh oranges, slice them thinly and consider removing seeds for the best results in your Orange Upside-Down Cake Recipe.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?

If you don’t have powdered sugar on hand, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar until fine. The glaze smoothness depends on powdered sugar, so avoid substituting with regular granulated sugar without processing.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Greasing the pan thoroughly with butter and sprinkling sugar before layering the oranges creates a caramelized non-stick surface. Also, be sure to cool the cake slightly before inverting to avoid breaking or sticking.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter substitute. For eggs, flaxseed or chia seed “eggs” can work, but texture may vary slightly from the traditional Orange Upside-Down Cake Recipe.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean without wet batter. This usually takes around 40 minutes but start checking at 35 minutes to prevent overbaking.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Upside-Down Cake Recipe is truly a keeper for anyone who loves the magic of homemade cakes and fresh citrus flavors. Its vibrant look and moist, tender crumb make it perfect for sharing with friends and family, whether for a casual afternoon treat or a festive gathering. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for this recipe time and time again.