Serves a Crowd

Whole Orange Bundt Cake with Five-Spice Streusel

April  4, 2013
4.4
13 Ratings
Photo by Bobbi Lin
  • Makes one Bundt cake
Author Notes

This recipe was inspired by a whole orange cake recipe from Sunset magazine. It uses whole oranges that have been processed to an almost purée to give the cake a little marmalade-like flavor. As soon as I saw the original recipe I knew I wanted to play with it by adding some spice. I tried several versions using the Sunset recipe as the base, adding spice to the batter, but was never quite happy with the flavor or the texture. I switched tactics and used a Cook's Illustrated sour cream coffee cake with streusel filling as the base. I substituted puréed orange for the sour cream, and increased the butter to account for the lost fat. The first version was quite good, and just needed a tiny bit of tinkering with the streusel. To gild the lily, I topped the cake with an orange-vanilla powdered sugar glaze. —hardlikearmour

Test Kitchen Notes

I'll cut to the chase: This is the best cake I've made or eaten in a long time—this coming from someone who eats a fair share of cake and is careful about using superlatives. Everything about this cake is smart: using whole oranges to amplify the citrus flavor, pairing orange with five-spice powder (that streusel is insanely good), and adding just enough sugar to balance the bitter without making it overly sweet. I also learned a cool new trick (brushing the pan with a mix of melted butter and flour) and appreciated hardlikearmour’s clear instructions (the orange peel should be “pinky nail-sized” ). I initially considered this a “grown-up” cake given the complexity of flavors, but even the toddlers at my dinner party devoured it. That’s the power of good cake. —EmilyC

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • Streusel
  • 3 ounces (85 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 ounces (85 g) dark brown sugar
  • 3 ounces (85 g) sugar (evaporated cane or granulated)
  • 4 teaspoons (1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon) Chinese 5-spice powder
  • Pinch salt
  • Cake and Icing
  • 8.75 ounces (250 g) sugar (evaporated cane or granulated)
  • 11.5 ounces (325 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 medium organic navel or Cara Cara oranges (about 1 1/4 pounds or 570 grams)
  • 1 1/4 cups (~280 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon plus ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (divided)
  • 4 ounces (115 g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • Orange juice, milk, or half-and-half (if needed to thin icing)
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350° F with a rack in the lowest position. Spray a Bundt pan with cooking spray that contains flour or brush with a mixture made from 1 tablespoon melted butter and 1 tablespoon flour. (A great trick I learned from Cook's Illustrated for Bundt cakes.)
  2. Combine streusel ingredients in the bowl of a food processor. Process to combine. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. (If your brown sugar is free of clumps, you could also just whisk the mixture together.)
  3. Place sugar for cake in processor bowl, then process 60 to 90 seconds to create a finer sugar, which helps to create a finer texture in the final cake. Transfer the sugar to the bowl of a stand mixure.
  4. Wash the oranges, then cut off and discard the stem and blossom ends. Cut the oranges into about 1-inch chunks (removing any seeds), and place them in the food processor. Process in 3 to 4 second pulses until the mixture is fairly smooth, but not completely puréed. There should be visible pieces of peel left, but they should be fairly small (pinky nail-sized). Measure out 1 1/2 cups (~365 g) in a 2- to 4-cup glass measure. Add the eggs and 1 tablespoon vanilla to the glass measure, and whisk with a fork to combine (being careful if using the 2-cup measure, as there won't be much room for splashing).
  5. Transfer the remaining orange mixture to a fine-mesh strainer and press out as much juice as possible. Set the juice aside for making the icing. Discard the pulp.
  6. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the mixing bowl with the sugar. Mix on low for 30 seconds to combine. Add the butter and half of the orange mixture. Mix on low until the flour is mostly moistened, then increase the speed to medium and mix for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add half of the remaining orange mixture, and mix on medium speed for 20 seconds. Add the remaining orange mixture, and mix on medium speed for 20 seconds. Scrape the bowl, then mix on medium-high for 60 seconds. Scrape the sides of the bowl.
  7. Transfer about a quarter of the batter to the prepared Bundt pan, and smooth into an even layer using a rubber spatula. Sprinkle evenly with 3/4 cup of the streusel. Transfer half of the remaining batter to the pan, and smooth into an even layer. Sprinkle with remaining streusel. Transfer and smooth the remaining batter.
  8. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until a bamboo skewer inserted in the center comes out clean or with only streusel crumbs attached.
  9. While the cake is baking make the icing: Whisk together the powdered sugar, strained orange juice, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Taste and add lemon juice if desired. Because the amount of orange juice will vary, adjust the icing until it is a fairly thick drizzling consistency. Add orange juice, milk, half-and-half, or powdered sugar by the tablespoon as needed. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and set aside.
  10. Transfer pan to a wire rack and allow to cool for 25 to 30 minutes. Invert the cake onto the pan and allow the cake to cool an additional 30 minutes or more before drizzling the icing on (the cake should be barely warm to cool before icing). I like to drizzle the icing while the cake is on the wire rack set over the sink, so clean up is a breeze. Allow the cake to fully cool and the icing to set before serving. Keeps tightly wrapped for several days.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Dawn DeSimone
    Dawn DeSimone
  • AnnMarie Mattila
    AnnMarie Mattila
  • Imbatnan
    Imbatnan
  • Kimmerie
    Kimmerie
  • DelicateFlowah
    DelicateFlowah
I am an amateur baker and cake decorator. I enjoy cooking, as well as eating and feeding others. I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with my husband and our menagerie. I enjoy outdoor activities including hiking, mushroom hunting, tide pooling, beach combing, and snowboarding.

52 Reviews

corawiec52 December 31, 2021
I loved the idea of this cake and since I had never used Chinese 5 spice, I was excited to make this. This cake, unfortunately, was not worth the effort I spent on it or the number of dishes it made. The finished product was greasy and didn't have any orange flavor. I couldn't really taste the 5 spice either. I have made a number of recipes that I have found on Food52 and loved them, but this was a huge disappointment.
 
Dawn D. December 13, 2021
I thought a streusel had butter in it. Did anyone try that modification? How’d it turn out? It’s part of what I love about streusel and it might help with moisture here, Thanks.
 
Josephsm October 17, 2021
This was fun and different. The cake was pleasantly slightly bitter - reminded me of Campari a little bit, and was quite moist. For the spice, I used Penzey's Cake Spice and added a few grinds of black pepper and 1/4 tsp anise seeds. I think I'd punch up the spice level a bit more next time (more cardamom?), or try to use Chinese 5 Spice. I used 4 smallish navel oranges that weighed 1.5 pounds. I will make again.
 
jy2nd February 28, 2020
This a wonderful cake - one that I love as much as any chocolate cake I’ve had. Delicious and beautiful. ?Thank you for adding this to the Food 52 website.
 
Jen W. November 21, 2019
I love the flavor of this cake. It was a little crumbly when cut. I’m thinking about a way to make this in mini form for Thanksgiving since there will be so many other choices on the table. Of course there is the mini Bundt pan but I’m not sure how well the streusel will come through. Another thought was to make this in a rectangular pan and cut into small pieces (square or circle). Any other suggestions?
 
lori January 19, 2019
I always vacillate between making this or the Sunset Whole Orange Cake, but this one seems to be the one I default to. The texture is a little lighter, the 5-spice (or a work-around of spices per earlier comment) adds a nice unexpected flavor, and my daughter loves streusel, all for not much more effort than the Sunset recipe. It's one of the handful of cake recipes that is a regular go-to for me. I've used navel oranges (cutting out the pith if very thick), mandarins, Cara Caras, or a mix--all work well.
 
cocoabrioche August 6, 2018
Have made this for multiple groups and occasions, and it always gets raves. I like it because it can be made a couple of days ahead; it stays moist, and the flavors blend so it's even better a day or two later. One of my two favorite cakes in a long, long career!
 
Nan October 9, 2021
Curious, what is your other favorite cake?
 
AnnMarie M. March 8, 2018
I made this, stuck at home in the snow yesterday and brought it in to cheers at work this morning. Devoured it. I typically like making recipes exactly as is the first time but since there was a snow storm outside, I had to make substitutions. I used blood oranges and didn't have five spice powder, so I googled substitutes. I ground up 6 whole star anise, 1 1/2 sticks cinnamon, 15 whole cloves and then mixed it with a 1/2 tsp of ground ginger to make my own spice powder. It was great! And now what to do with the rest of it? Hmmmm
 
Imbatnan January 22, 2018
I made this and its ancestor, the Sunset orange cake, last night bc I was intrigued with the different mixing methods. Your/RLB's method definitely created less gluten! I was surprised by the loose, almost crumbly texture, which is unusual for a bundt cake? It was nicely moist and had great flavor, but the texture was more what I expect from a layer cake? I think I'll try that next!
 
Kimmerie December 17, 2017
Next to my Red Wine Chocolate Cake, this is the best cake I’ve ever made. Turns out perfect every time. Everyone asks for it. Because of the whole oranges, I feel healthier just for eating it 😂
 
Little P. December 25, 2018
Hi there. I'm curious, which Red Wine Chocolate cake recipe are you raving about? There are many recipes out there and I would love to try yours. Thanks!
 
Kimmerie December 25, 2018
If you don’t mind sharing your email address I will send it to you. I got it out of La Cucina Italiana magazine which is now out of business. I’ve never seen the recipe anywhere else! Just made it yesterday and it was promptly devoured!
 
Gulden T. January 27, 2019
Thank you for the review. I will definitely try it. Also curious about the Red Wine Chocolate cake. Would you care to share the recipe.? Kind of curious as i enjoy chocolate with my wine..
 
Lynda W. September 29, 2019
I searched around a while and found an article that includes what appears to be the correct recipe from January/February 2013 La Cucina Italiana magazine.
https://www.inforum.com/lifestyle/3051338-lost-italian-torta-strikes-perfect-note-opera-benefit-dessert
 
Shary March 30, 2020
Please send it to me as well! I am in love with chocolate cake and red wine seems the perfect addition...
[email protected]
 
Carole S. October 3, 2021
[email protected]
Red wine choc cake…yum
 
CK June 8, 2017
I made this the other day for a school cake walk. It did not make it to the school. We couldn't help ourselves. This cake smells like Christmas and tastes like heaven. I am making it again next week when my parents come for a visit. It's not super sweet but if you enjoy bitter orange flavor, you will adore this cake. It was pretty easy to make, as well. I don't typically toy with recipes in any way but I ran out of butter (sacrilege) and only used 1 1/8 c butter, noticed no difference. I made the cake two days ago, it was wonderful yesterday, and today, the glaze is starting to disappear into the cake. I was planning to freeze some to see how it would do but we don't have enough left. MAKE THIS CAKE.
 
DelicateFlowah April 15, 2017
I made this in February 2017 to rave reviews. Made it again last weekend for an impromptu dinner gathering, getting more rave reviews. I'm making it today because Mother-in-law requested it for her birthday. She originally wanted carrot cake but informed me that she wanted it for her birthday next year. So today I've made a carrot cake AND this gem of a recipe for her party. She's going to be 85. And ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ if she makes it to next year.
 
Div February 17, 2017
I made this sans streusel last night and my husband ate half the cake in one sitting. He claims this is the best dessert I've ever made for him; it's a great pick for anyone who likes some complexity and not too much sweetness in their desserts. I didn't feel like breaking out the food processor so I used my immersion blender to chop up the orange pieces and it worked beautifully.
 
Starchgirl February 9, 2017
2/8/17 Delicious exactly as written! Moist, flavorful and not too sweet. I did add the optional lemon juice in the glaze to cut the sweetness. This was a big hit at our dinner party, and everyone wanted to take a piece for breakfast!
 
Bee February 7, 2017
I'll never use Five Spice combination other than this cake. Would a good alternative be cardamom? I realize it won't taste the same but that's too dear a spice to buy for one cake.
 
hardlikearmour February 7, 2017
I'd probably mix cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon vs. straight cardamom (which might be overpowering on its own).
 
SophieL February 7, 2017
Penzey's Cake Spice has almost the same spice combinations as Chinese Five Spice and is a tad bit less expensive ($3.99 vs $4.50) and Bee might be more inclined to use "cake spice" since it's fantastic in baked goods that call for cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and/or cloves.
 
Bee February 7, 2017
Absolutely BRILLIANT suggestion! I have every one of those spices on hand and the combination sounds smashing. THANK YOU, hardlikearmour, for that really helpful suggestion; I'll be thinking of YOU when I bake this cake!
 
Bee February 7, 2017
I SophieL: I think you also responded on the Bundt cake page, too. I like your suggestion of spices, also, as I have every one of those on hand. Sadly, the closest Penzey's store is 203 miles away from me and I'm not inclined to pay more for shipping an item than the item costs. But, because you broke down for me the ingredients of their Cake Spice, I can certainly replicate it at home. Blessings to you for your help to me! :D
 
Selina December 30, 2016
So, I had to post a thank you for this, since I needed a simple, yet festive dessert for Christmas Eve dinner with my Dad and his culinarily stunted girlfriend. Since I was already doing the entire dinner, I really had no patience for fiddly recipes this year. I managed to whip this up in about 20 min. prep time, (never having done struesel before,) and it was perfect. Thanks for saving me the headache of a fancy Christmas dessert!
 
Bobby I. April 17, 2016
Easy cake to make. Lots of compliments from those at lunch. Just less sugar next time as it was a bit too sweet.
 
Linda M. April 13, 2016
Hi! Your cake sounds wonderful and I can't wait to try it, but I just have a question first. Not sure if I should assume this, but does the strained orange puree get combined with the puree mixed with the eggs and vanilla before adding it to the cake batter? Thanks!
 
hardlikearmour April 13, 2016
Nope. The juice goes in the icing, and the pulp is discarded. It may work to add it to the batter, but I've not tried.
 
Regine March 17, 2016
It is called the two stage method and I agree with Hardlikearmor. It does make cake more tender and makes texture more fine grained.
 
Beth March 16, 2016
I was surprised to read that you mix the softened butter directly with the flour and sugar, without creaming the butter and sugar together first. Any ideas about why this works?
 
hardlikearmour March 16, 2016
It's the way Rose Levy Beranbaum mixes many of her cakes. The ultimate purpose is to get a more tender cake. By combining the fat, flour, and just a small amount of liquid, the fat molecules can coat some of the gluten-producing proteins in the flour which prevents them from interacting with water so there is less gluten formation.