A Citrus Delight Made Simple

Are you looking for a quick, delicious dessert that combines the zestiness of oranges with the convenience of modern cooking? This Instant Pot Orange Cake recipe is the perfect solution! Whether you’re a busy parent, a novice baker, or simply someone who loves citrus-infused treats, this recipe delivers an incredibly moist and flavorful cake with minimal effort.

This orange cake is an ideal dessert for any occasion—from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to utilize your Instant Pot beyond soups and stews. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: With just a few ingredients and your Instant Pot, you’ll have a bakery-quality cake in no time.
Citrus Magic: The combination of orange zest in the glaze and the orange-flavored cake mix creates a bright, refreshing flavor.
Minimal Cleanup: Using an Instant Pot keeps your kitchen mess-free, and the recipe itself requires just a single mixing bowl.
Perfectly Moist: The unique cooking process in the Instant Pot locks in moisture, ensuring a soft and tender crumb every time.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Orange Cake

Cake:

1 box of orange cake mix
1 cup water
3 large eggs
1/3 cup canola oil
1 cup water (for the Instant Pot insert)

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons milk
Zest of 1 orange

Equipment You’ll Need

Instant Pot with trivet
6- or 7-inch cake pan (compatible with your Instant Pot)
Mixing bowl
Whisk or electric mixer
Aluminum foil and paper towel
Zester

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Pan

Grease all sides of your cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. This step ensures your cake will release easily once baked.

2. Prep the Instant Pot

Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot insert. This water is essential for creating steam during the cooking process.

3. Mix the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the orange cake mix, 1 cup of water, 3 large eggs, and 1/3 cup canola oil. Use a whisk or electric mixer to beat the ingredients until smooth and well combined.

4. Transfer Batter to Pan

Pour the prepared batter into the greased cake pan. Cover the pan with a paper towel and then secure it with a piece of aluminum foil. This prevents condensation from affecting the texture of your cake.

5. Cook in the Instant Pot

Place the cake pan on the trivet and carefully lower it into the Instant Pot. Select the “Cake” setting, adjust the mode to “Less,” and set the cook time to 50 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally.

6. Prepare the Glaze

While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Add the zest of one orange and mix again for a burst of citrus flavor.

7. Glaze and Serve

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze harden before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Swap the Flavor: Experiment with lemon or lime cake mixes for a tangy twist.
Add Texture: Stir in chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Make It Healthier: Substitute applesauce for the oil to reduce fat content.
Enhance the Glaze: Add a splash of vanilla extract or orange liqueur for extra depth.

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen slices at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I Use a Different Cake Mix?

Yes! While orange cake mix creates the signature flavor, you can use vanilla or white cake mix and add orange extract for a similar result.

What If I Don’t Have an Instant Pot?

This recipe is designed for the Instant Pot, but you can bake the cake in a conventional oven. Follow the package instructions for baking times and temperatures.

How Do I Know When the Cake Is Done?

The Instant Pot’s “Cake” setting and natural pressure release ensure even cooking. However, you can use a toothpick to test—it should come out clean when inserted in the center of the cake.

Can I Double the Recipe?

Doubling the recipe may not work well in the Instant Pot due to space constraints. Instead, prepare two separate batches if you need more servings.

Food and Drink Pairings

Pair this delightful orange cake with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a chilled glass of sparkling wine. For a more indulgent option, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Try This Recipe Today!

This Instant Pot Orange Cake is the ultimate blend of convenience and flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, it’s a must-try for dessert lovers.

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