There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic pineapple upside-down cake. But what if we gave this nostalgic dessert a citrusy twist? Enter the Orange Upside-Down Sheet Cake—a delightful blend of zesty oranges and moist cake that’s sure to brighten up any gathering. Whether you’re a busy professional needing a quick dessert or a mom aiming to impress at the next bake sale, this recipe is your ticket to citrus heaven.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Upside-Down Cake
Imagine a tender, buttery cake topped with caramelized slices of vibrant oranges. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a refreshing alternative to traditional desserts. Plus, baking it as a sheet cake means it’s perfect for serving a crowd without the fuss of layering or intricate decorations.
Ingredients
For the Citrus Topping:
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4 to 5 oranges (a mix of tangerines, cara cara, blood oranges)
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup light brown sugar
For the Cake Base:
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12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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⅓ cup light brown sugar.
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3 large eggs
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1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1¾ teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
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1 cup plain yogurt
Optional Topping:
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Whipped cream
Steps to Citrus Bliss
1. Prepare the Pan and Oranges
Begin by peeling and slicing the oranges into ½-inch rounds, then quarter each slice. Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring every corner is coated. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly across the bottom. Arrange the orange quarters over the brown sugar, covering the base completely. This will become the beautiful, caramelized top once the cake is inverted.
2. Whip Up the Cake Batter
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 4–5 minutes.
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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Stir in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the plain yogurt to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. This ensures a smooth batter without overmixing.
3. Assemble and Bake
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Gently spoon the batter over the arranged oranges in the pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, being careful not to disturb the fruit layer beneath.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, place a large serving platter or baking sheet over the pan and invert the cake onto it. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow all the luscious juices to drizzle over the cake.
4. Serve
Slice the cake into desired portions and serve warm or at room temperature. A dollop of whipped cream on top adds an extra touch of indulgence.
Tips for the Perfect orange Upside-Down Cake
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Orange Selection: Using a variety of oranges not only adds a spectrum of colors but also a depth of flavors. Blood oranges, for instance, provide a subtle berry-like taste and a stunning hue.
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Preventing Bitterness: Ensure all the white pith is removed when peeling the oranges, as it can impart a bitter taste to the cake.
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Uniform Slices: Cutting the oranges into uniform slices ensures even caramelization and a prettier presentation.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and yogurt helps in achieving a smoother batter and a better-textured cake.
A Personal Touch
I remember the first time I experimented with this recipe. My family adored the classic pineapple version, but I wanted to bring a fresh twist to our dessert table. The vibrant colors and zesty aroma of the oranges brought a new life to the traditional orange upside-down cake, making it an instant hit at our family gatherings.
FAQs
Can I use other citrus fruits?
Absolutely! While oranges are the star here, feel free to experiment with grapefruits, lemons, or even mandarins. Each will bring its unique flavor profile to the cake.
How should I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my experience!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For extended freshness, refrigerate the cake, and warm slices slightly before serving to revive its soft texture.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead. Once cooled, cover it tightly and store at room temperature. Just before serving, you can warm it slightly in the oven to refresh its flavors.
What if I don’t have plain yogurt?
Plain yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake. If you don’t have it on hand, sour cream is an excellent substitute.
Can I turn this into cupcakes or smaller servings?
Totally! If you’re planning a party or just love the idea of individual servings, you can adapt this orange upside-down cake into cupcakes. Just cut the orange pieces smaller to fit the cupcake tins, and reduce the baking time to around 18–22 minutes—keep an eye on them! They’re basically the citrusy cousin of the pineapple upside down cake shot, but with way more cake and a lot less alcohol.
Want More Like This?
If this orange upside-down cake sheet cake has you dreaming of more nostalgic-yet-modern desserts, I’ve got you covered. Over on SofyaRecipes.com, I share tons of sweet inspiration. You might also love:
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Pineapple Upside Down Cake Sheet Cake – a tropical twist that inspired this very recipe.
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Honey Citrus Pound Cake – bright, moist, and perfect with a cup of tea.
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Creamy Vanilla Whipped Topping – this whipped cream recipe is the perfect finish to any orange upside-down cake!
Final Thoughts (And Bites)
This orange upside-down cake is more than just a showstopper—it’s a sweet, zesty celebration of everything we love about baking. It’s easy enough for a weeknight bake and pretty enough for your next celebration. The way those oranges caramelize and melt into the soft, buttery cake base? Pure magic.
And the best part? It brings a bright burst of sunshine to your table, even on the grayest days. Whether you’re serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or sneaking a slice straight from the pan (no judgment here), it’s a recipe that’s bound to become a repeat.
So go ahead—preheat that oven and let’s bring a little citrus joy into your kitchen today.
