Orange desserts bring a bright, zesty flavor to the table. From cakes to pies to frozen treats, there are many ways to enjoy the sweet-tart taste of oranges in your after-meal indulgences. These citrusy confections offer a refreshing change from chocolate or vanilla options.
You’ll find orange desserts that range from simple to fancy, with recipes to suit any occasion or craving. Some feature fresh oranges, while others use orange juice, zest, or flavoring. Whether you prefer light and fruity or rich and creamy, there’s an orange dessert out there for you to try.
Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is a refreshing no-bake dessert that captures the flavors of summer. You’ll love how easy it is to make this crowd-pleasing treat.
Start by mixing cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Then add orange jello dissolved in hot water for a burst of citrus flavor.
Fold in whipped cream to create a light, fluffy texture. Don’t forget to add some orange zest for extra zing.
Pour the mixture into a graham cracker crust and chill in the freezer. In no time, you’ll have a cool, creamy dessert that tastes just like your favorite ice cream bar.
Orange ricotta pancakes are a tasty twist on classic pancakes. You’ll love their light, fluffy texture and bright citrus flavor.
To make them, mix ricotta cheese with eggs, orange juice, and zest. Add flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook the batter on a hot griddle until golden brown.
These pancakes are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch. Serve them with honey orange syrup for extra sweetness. You can also top them with fresh orange segments or a dollop of whipped cream.
Try making orange ricotta pancakes for your next weekend breakfast. They’re sure to become a new family favorite.
Orange sorbet is a cool and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for hot days. You can make it at home with just a few ingredients. All you need are fresh oranges, sugar, and lemon juice.
To make orange sorbet, start by juicing the oranges. Mix the juice with sugar and a splash of lemon juice. This mixture is then frozen and churned to create a smooth texture.
You can use an ice cream maker for easy churning. If you don’t have one, you can still make sorbet by freezing the mixture and stirring it every hour.
Orange sorbet is dairy-free and lighter than ice cream. It’s a great choice for a guilt-free treat. You can enjoy it on its own or as a side to other desserts.
Candied orange peel is a sweet treat you can make at home. To start, cut the peel off oranges in strips. Boil the peels in water to soften them.
Next, simmer the peels in a sugar syrup. This process coats them in sugar and makes them sweet. The peels will become translucent as they cook.
After simmering, let the peels dry. You can roll them in extra sugar for more sweetness. Candied orange peel is great on its own or as a topping for cakes and desserts.
You can store your homemade candied peels in an airtight container. They’ll keep for several weeks, ready to add zesty flavor to your treats.
Blood orange tart is a delightful dessert that showcases the unique flavor of this citrus fruit. The tart features a buttery crust filled with a vibrant blood orange curd.
To make the crust, you’ll mix flour, sugar, and butter. Press this mixture into a tart pan and bake until golden.
For the filling, combine blood orange juice, zest, sugar, and eggs. Cook this mixture until it thickens into a smooth curd. Pour the curd into the cooled crust.
Some recipes add a fluffy meringue topping for extra sweetness and texture. You can also garnish with fresh blood orange slices for a beautiful presentation.
Orange polenta cake is a delightful dessert that combines the zesty flavor of oranges with the unique texture of polenta. This gluten-free treat is moist and bursting with citrus goodness.
To make this cake, you’ll mix polenta with almond flour, sugar, and butter. Orange zest and juice add a bright, tangy taste. The result is a dense, slightly grainy texture that’s both interesting and satisfying.
Bake the cake in a springform pan until golden brown. Once cooled, you can top it with a simple orange glaze for extra sweetness and shine. This rustic Italian-inspired dessert is perfect for afternoon tea or as a light end to a meal.
Mix the dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and baking powder. Then add egg yolks, oil, orange juice, and zest to form the batter.
Gently fold in the egg whites to keep the cake fluffy. Bake it in a tube pan at 325°F. The result is a tall, tender cake with a delicate orange flavor.
For extra zest, add a glaze or frost with orange-flavored icing. This cake is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time.
Citrus trifle is a refreshing dessert that combines layers of cake, fruit, and cream. You can make it with various citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, or cara cara oranges.
To create this dessert, start with a base of cake or ladyfingers. Add a layer of homemade lemon curd for a tart flavor. Then, place fresh orange segments on top.
For the cream layer, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Some recipes include bergamot for extra citrus flavor. Repeat these layers until your trifle dish is full.
This no-bake dessert is perfect for warm weather. You can prepare it ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge before serving.
Orange olive oil cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the zesty brightness of oranges with the rich texture of olive oil. To make this cake, you’ll need flour, sugar, eggs, olive oil, and fresh orange juice and zest.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Combine them gently, being careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool before removing from the pan.
This cake has a tender crumb and subtle orange flavor. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a light dessert. You can serve it plain or dust it with powdered sugar for a simple finishing touch.
Orange Bavarian Cream is a classic French dessert that will impress your dinner guests. This elegant treat combines the bright flavor of oranges with a creamy, smooth texture.
To make it, you’ll create a custard base with orange juice and zest. Gelatin gives the dessert its signature jiggly consistency. Whipped cream is folded in for extra richness.
Pour the mixture into a mold and chill until set. When you’re ready to serve, unmold the Bavarian cream onto a plate. The result is a beautiful, orange-flavored dessert with a delicate wobble.
You can garnish your Orange Bavarian Cream with fresh orange segments or a sprinkle of zest for added flair.
Chocolate orange mousse combines rich chocolate with zesty orange flavors. To make it, you melt chocolate and mix it with butter. Then you separate egg yolks and whites.
You whisk the yolks into the chocolate mixture. Next, you whip the egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whites into the chocolate.
For extra orange flavor, add orange zest or a splash of orange liqueur. Let the mousse chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving. Top with whipped cream and orange slices if you like.
This dessert is creamy, light, and perfect for chocolate-orange lovers. It’s an elegant treat for special occasions or dinner parties.
Orange and almond biscotti are crunchy Italian cookies perfect for dunking in coffee or tea. They combine the zesty flavor of orange with the nutty crunch of almonds.
These biscotti are easy to make at home. You’ll need ingredients like sugar, flour, eggs, orange zest, and sliced almonds. The dough is shaped into logs, baked, sliced, and baked again to achieve that signature crispness.
Orange and almond biscotti make a great light dessert or snack. They’re not too sweet, making them ideal for those who prefer less sugary treats. You can drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
These cookies keep well, so you can make a batch to enjoy throughout the week. They’re also a nice homemade gift for friends and family.
Orange-glazed madeleines are a tasty twist on the classic French treat. These small, shell-shaped cakes have a light, spongy texture and a hint of orange flavor.
To make them, you’ll need a special madeleine pan. Grease it well with butter and dust with flour before adding the batter.
The batter includes orange zest for a citrusy kick. Bake the madeleines until they’re golden brown around the edges.
Once cooled, dip the madeleines in a simple orange glaze. Mix powdered sugar with fresh orange juice to create the glaze. Let the excess drip off before setting them on a rack to dry.
These sweet treats are perfect with tea or coffee. You can enjoy them for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
Orange macarons are a delightful twist on the classic French treat. These delicate cookies have a crisp outer shell and a soft, chewy center.
To make orange macarons, you’ll need almond flour, powdered sugar, and egg whites. Add orange zest to the dry ingredients for a burst of citrus flavor.
Pipe the batter into circles on a baking sheet. Let them rest until they’re no longer sticky. Bake at 300°F for 12-15 minutes.
Fill your macarons with orange-flavored buttercream, ganache, or curd. The filling adds extra orange taste and moisture to the cookies.
Enjoy your homemade orange macarons with a cup of tea or coffee. They make great gifts too!
Orange cranberry scones are a delightful treat that combines zesty orange flavor with tart cranberries. You’ll love the mix of sweet and tangy in every bite.
To make these scones, you’ll need flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, and orange zest. Mix in dried cranberries for bursts of fruity flavor.
Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients until you have coarse crumbs. This creates a flaky texture in the finished scones.
Shape the dough into a log and cut it into triangular wedges. Bake at 350°F for about 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
For extra sweetness, drizzle the cooled scones with an orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice. These scones are perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with tea.
Orange curd tart is a delightful dessert that combines a buttery crust with a smooth, tangy filling. You’ll love the bright citrus flavor in every bite.
To make the crust, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and stir until a dough forms. Press it into a tart pan and bake until golden.
For the orange curd filling, whisk together orange juice, zest, sugar, and eggs. Cook the mixture until it thickens, then pour it into the cooled crust.
Chill the tart for several hours before serving. You can top it with whipped cream or meringue for extra flair.
This dessert is perfect for showcasing the sweet-tart flavor of oranges. It’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Grand Marnier Soufflé is a classic French dessert that combines the light, airy texture of a soufflé with the rich flavor of orange liqueur. To make this elegant treat, you’ll start by creating a roux with butter and flour.
Next, you’ll add milk to form a thick base, then mix in Grand Marnier and orange zest for flavor. Egg yolks and vanilla are incorporated to enrich the mixture.
The key to a perfect soufflé is carefully folding in stiffly beaten egg whites. This creates the signature puffy, cloud-like texture when baked.
You’ll pour the mixture into buttered and sugared ramekins, then bake until golden and risen. Serve immediately for the best experience, as soufflés deflate quickly.
Orange poppy seed muffins are a tasty breakfast treat. They combine zesty orange flavor with crunchy poppy seeds for a unique texture.
To make these muffins, you’ll mix poppy seeds with milk and let them soak. This helps soften the seeds. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Whisk together eggs, sugar, oil, orange juice, and zest in a large bowl. Add the dry ingredients and poppy seed mixture. Stir just until combined.
Bake the muffins at a high temperature for a few minutes, then lower the heat. This creates a nice domed top. Let them cool before adding an optional orange glaze for extra sweetness.
Orange panna cotta is a creamy, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for warm summer days. You’ll love its smooth texture and bright citrus flavor.
To make it, mix heavy cream, sugar, and orange zest in a saucepan. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves. Add gelatin and stir until it melts completely.
Pour the mixture into ramekins or dessert cups. Chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight. The panna cotta will set into a silky, wobbly consistency.
For extra flair, top your orange panna cotta with mandarin segments or a drizzle of orange syrup. This elegant dessert is sure to impress your guests at any gathering.
Orange coconut bars are a tasty treat that combines citrus and tropical flavors. You’ll love the bright orange taste mixed with sweet, chewy coconut.
These bars have a buttery crust topped with an orange-flavored filling. Fresh orange juice and zest give them a zesty kick. Shredded coconut adds texture and a tropical twist.
You can enjoy these bars for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing. Try using freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
Orange zest shortbread cookies are a delightful twist on classic shortbread. You’ll love the bright citrus flavor that orange zest adds to these buttery treats.
To make them, mix butter, sugar, flour, and finely grated orange zest. Roll out the dough and cut it into shapes. Bake until the edges turn golden brown.
These cookies have a crisp texture and melt in your mouth. The orange flavor is subtle but noticeable. They’re perfect with tea or coffee.
You can dress up your orange zest shortbread by dipping half in melted chocolate. This adds a rich contrast to the citrus notes.
Orange blossom cupcakes bring a delightful floral twist to classic orange desserts. These sweet treats combine the bright citrus flavor of oranges with the subtle fragrance of orange blossoms.
To make these cupcakes, you’ll need basic baking ingredients plus orange zest and orange blossom water. Mix your dry ingredients first, then combine wet ingredients separately before blending them together.
Fill your cupcake liners halfway and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Once cooled, top with a creamy orange-flavored frosting for extra citrus punch.
These cupcakes are perfect for spring gatherings or anytime you want a light, refreshing dessert. Their unique flavor will impress your family and friends.
Orange caramel sauce adds a zesty twist to desserts. You can make it by cooking sugar until it caramelizes, then adding orange juice and zest.
This sauce pairs well with cheesecake, flan, or ice cream. Its tangy sweetness enhances the flavor of many treats.
To make it, start with sugar in a pan over medium heat. Stir until it melts and turns amber. Carefully add orange juice and zest, then whisk until smooth.
Let the sauce cool before using. It will thicken as it cools. You can store it in the fridge for up to a week.
27. Orange Financiers
Orange financiers are small French cakes with a delightful citrus twist. These treats have a soft, moist texture and a rich buttery flavor.
To make orange financiers, you’ll need almond flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, and egg whites. The key ingredient is brown butter, which gives them their unique taste.
Mix orange zest into the batter for a bright, zesty flavor. Pour the batter into small molds and bake until golden brown.
These little cakes are perfect for afternoon tea or as a light dessert. You can enjoy them plain or dust them with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
Health Benefits of Orange Desserts
Orange desserts can offer some nutritional perks along with their sweet taste. They provide vitamin C and other nutrients that may support your health in different ways.
Nutritional Value
Orange desserts give you a dose of vitamin C. This vitamin helps your immune system and skin health. You’ll also get some fiber from the orange fruit or zest used. Fiber aids digestion and keeps you feeling full.
Many orange desserts contain calcium if made with dairy. Calcium strengthens your bones and teeth. Some recipes use whole grains, adding B vitamins and minerals to the mix.
Watch out for added sugars, though. Too much sugar can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Choose desserts with less sugar or natural sweeteners when possible.
Antioxidant Properties
Oranges are packed with antioxidants. These compounds fight harmful molecules in your body called free radicals. By eating orange desserts, you get a tasty way to boost your antioxidant intake.
The main antioxidants in oranges are:
Vitamin C
Flavonoids
Carotenoids
These work together to protect your cells from damage. They may lower your risk of certain diseases. Some studies suggest antioxidants could help prevent heart disease and some types of cancer.
Remember, the antioxidant content can vary based on the recipe. Desserts using whole oranges or fresh juice will have more benefits than those with artificial flavors.
Popular Ingredients in Orange Desserts
Orange desserts offer a burst of citrusy flavor and bright color. The key ingredients help create treats that are both refreshing and indulgent.
Types of Oranges
Many orange varieties work well in desserts. Navel oranges are sweet and easy to peel, making them a popular choice. Valencia oranges have a tangy flavor that adds depth to baked goods. Blood oranges give desserts a unique color and slightly berry-like taste.
Mandarin oranges are small and extra sweet. They’re great for topping cakes or adding to fruit salads. Clementines are seedless and very juicy, perfect for making sauces or glazes.
When choosing oranges, look for firm fruit with bright, unblemished skin. Fresh oranges will give your desserts the best flavor, but canned mandarin oranges can work in a pinch.
Flavor Pairings
Orange pairs well with many other flavors in desserts. Chocolate and orange is a classic combo – try adding orange zest to chocolate cake or dipping orange slices in melted chocolate. Vanilla complements orange nicely in creamy desserts like ice cream or custard.
Nuts like almonds or pistachios add crunch and richness to orange cakes or cookies. Spices such as cinnamon or ginger bring warmth to orange desserts.
For a boozy twist, add Grand Marnier or Cointreau to orange-flavored treats. Cream cheese frosting is delicious on orange cakes. Don’t forget the power of fresh herbs – mint or basil can brighten up orange desserts even more.
Preparation Tips for Orange Desserts
When making orange desserts, start with fresh, ripe oranges. Choose fruits that feel heavy for their size and have smooth, firm skin.
Wash oranges thoroughly before using. Even if you’re only using the juice, it’s best to clean the outside to avoid contamination.
Zest the orange before juicing. The zest adds intense flavor to your desserts. Use a microplane or fine grater to remove only the colored part of the peel.
Roll oranges on the counter before juicing. This helps break down the membranes inside, making it easier to extract more juice.
For recipes that call for orange segments, use a sharp knife to cut away the peel and pith. Then carefully slice between the membranes to release the segments.
Measure ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and precise measurements are key to successful orange desserts.
When making orange-flavored frostings or creams, add the juice gradually. This helps you control the consistency and avoid a runny texture.
For baked goods, bring ingredients like eggs and butter to room temperature before starting. This ensures better mixing and a more even texture in your final product.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
