This moist upside-down orange cake is something I always want in my house. On the counter when making a pot of coffee or ready to go when my future kids get home from school as a snack.
This upside-down orange cake is dense and bright in flavor. It is the perfect balance between sweet and zesty. The cake melts in your mouth, while the candied oranges give a burst of flavor and texture. If you’re a citrus dessert lover, this cake is a must-try!

Upside Down Orange Cake
Upside down orange cake that is the perfect balance between sweet and zesty, with bright flavored candied oranges.
Equipment
- 9-inch springform pan
Ingredients
Candied Oranges
- ¾ cup water
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 oranges cut into ⅛ inch slices
Orange Cake
- 2 oranges
- 3 eggs room temperature
- 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ cup all purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 tablespoons plain greek yogurt room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the candied oranges
- In a medium saucepan on high heat, combine the sugar and the water. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and carefully add in the orange slices, making sure the syrup mostly covers them all. Let simmer for 15 minutes, often stirring to coat the orange slices evenly. Then remove from heat and cool for a couple of minutes.
Make the orange cake
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place the candied oranges over the parchment paper in the pan in a scaled spiral pattern.
- In a food processor, add the zest of the remaining to the oranges. Then segment the oranges by removing any white pith, skin, and seeds, then cutting them into pieces. Add the segmented oranges to the food processor. Pulse into an applesauce-like consistency. Set aside.
- In a big bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, mix eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Slowly stream in the olive oil while still mixing. Add in the flour, salt, nutmeg, and baking powder and mix. Lastly, add in the yogurt, vanilla, orange mixture, and combine.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Run a knife along the edges of the pan to release. Then release the spring on the pan. Slice and serve.
Sam says
The orange taste in this is perfect! Not too overwhelming, just the right amount! Love it.
Emma Essence says
I'm happy that you think it has just the right amount of orange flavor, thanks for the feedback Sam!