BakeryDiary is a recipe curation and editorial platform. We research and curate recipes from public sources, considering ratings, reviews, comments, and feedback. We then refine and present them clearly for home cooks. We are committed to an ad-free, focused experience that makes discovering and preparing recipes easier.
A Vegan Blood Orange Cake is a beautiful citrus dessert that combines a soft, moist crumb with the bright, refreshing flavor of oranges.
Baked in a Bundt pan, this cake develops an elegant shape that looks impressive on a dessert table, making it a lovely choice for afternoon treats, family gatherings, or special occasions.
The recipe uses simple plant-based ingredients, including almond milk, blood orange juice, neutral oil, all-purpose flour, sugar, vanilla extract, baking powder, and baking soda.
Together, these ingredients create a tender cake with a light texture and a delicate sweetness.
Blood orange juice gives the cake its distinctive citrus character, adding a pleasantly fruity flavor with subtle tart notes.
A little orange or lemon zest can provide an extra layer of citrus aroma.
One of the most appealing features is the smooth orange glaze poured over the cooled cake.
Made from powdered sugar and blood orange juice, it adds a sweet citrus finish and can give the dessert a beautiful pinkish hue when the juice has a rich red color.
The contrast between the soft cake and the delicate glaze makes every slice inviting.
This recipe is also flexible. If blood oranges are unavailable, regular orange or mandarin juice can be used instead, offering a slightly different citrus flavor and glaze color.
The batter can also be adapted for loaf pans, sheet cakes, round cakes, or muffins, although baking times may vary depending on the pan.
Whether served plain alongside tea or finished with its glossy citrus glaze, this vegan orange cake is a simple, attractive dessert that brings fresh fruit flavor to a classic homemade bake.
Vegan Blood Orange Bundt Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9.5-inch Bundt pan with vegan butter or coconut oil, making sure to coat the grooves thoroughly. Dust the greased pan with flour to help the cake release easily after baking.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the almond milk, blood orange juice, canola oil, and vanilla extract until evenly combined. Set the mixture aside.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, and baking soda into a large mixing bowl. Add the salt and sugar, then whisk until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Make the Cake Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the optional orange or lemon zest, if using, and stir gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the finished cake dense rather than light and tender.
- Fill the Bundt Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Gently tap the pan against the work surface a few times to help release trapped air bubbles and level the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes. Test the thickest part of the cake with a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is ready. If the surface becomes too brown before the center is baked, loosely cover the cake with parchment paper and continue baking as needed.
- Cool Before Removing: Let the cake rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes after baking. Carefully turn it out onto a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely before adding the glaze. The cake is delicate while warm, so avoid removing it too soon.
- Prepare the Orange Glaze: Sift the powdered sugar into a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of blood orange juice and stir until a smooth glaze forms. Add more juice from the measured amount as needed to reach a pourable consistency. If the glaze becomes too thin, mix in a little more powdered sugar.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the orange glaze over the top, allowing it to flow naturally over the Bundt shape. Let the glaze settle before slicing and serving.
- Serve the Cake: Cut the glazed cake into 12 portions and enjoy as a dessert or alongside tea or coffee.
Notes
- Choose your citrus: Blood orange juice gives the cake its distinctive fruity flavor and can create a pinkish glaze. Regular orange or mandarin juice works as a substitute.
- Measure flour carefully: For the best soft texture, use the specified amount of all-purpose flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Different flour types may absorb liquids differently.
- Add zest for extra flavor: Orange or lemon zest is optional, but it enhances the citrus aroma and taste.
- Avoid overmixing: Stir the batter only until the ingredients are combined to help maintain a light, tender crumb.
- Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the cake. It should come out clean before you remove the pan from the oven.
- Adjust baking as needed: Oven performance and pan choice can affect baking time. Muffins made from this batter take approximately 25 minutes.
- Cool completely before glazing: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Glazing while warm may affect the finish.
- Store properly: Keep the unglazed cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for longer storage: Wrap individual slices tightly in cling film, then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before glazing and serving.
Chef’s Secret
The key to a beautifully shaped Bundt cake is preparing the pan thoroughly and allowing the cake to cool before removing it.
Use a pastry brush to coat every groove and crevice with vegan butter or coconut oil, then dust the entire interior lightly with flour.
This helps prevent the delicate cake from sticking to the pan’s intricate design. Once baked, resist the temptation to turn it out immediately.
Let it rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes so it can settle slightly, but transfer it to a cooling rack afterward rather than leaving it in the pan until completely cold.
Most importantly, wait until the cake has cooled fully before adding the glaze to achieve a smooth finish that stays on the surface instead of melting into the cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Vegan Blood Orange Bundt Cake with freshly brewed tea or coffee for a simple afternoon treat.
For a more complete dessert, pair each slice with fresh orange segments, berries, or a small bowl of seasonal fruit that complements the cake’s citrus flavor.
A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a delicate finishing touch, while a little extra orange zest provides an attractive garnish and reinforces the citrus aroma.
If you prefer a richer accompaniment, serve the cake with a spoonful of dairy-free whipped topping.
The cake also makes a lovely addition to a dessert table for family gatherings, celebrations, or Valentine’s Day.
For the prettiest presentation, allow the orange glaze to settle before slicing so its color and smooth finish remain visible on each piece.
Conclusion
This Vegan Blood Orange Bundt Cake is a simple yet elegant dessert with a soft, moist texture, refreshing citrus flavor, and a sweet orange glaze.
Made with accessible plant-based ingredients, it is easy to prepare and flexible enough to suit different cake pans or available citrus fruits.
Serve it for afternoon tea, share it with family and friends, or enjoy a slice whenever you want a homemade citrus treat.
