Sicilian Whole Orange Cake is moist, aromatic, and made with the whole orange—simple, unique, and full of flavor.
This Sicilian Orange Cake is one of those recipes that surprises you from the first bite.
It’s incredibly aromatic, moist, and different from the typical cakes you might know. When it bakes, the whole house fills with the scent of oranges—especially perfect around Christmas time.
What I like most is how simple it is. Compared to more complex Italian bakes like Panettone, this one is quick, easy, and always works. And somehow, it’s still not as popular—which makes it even better when you serve it to guests.
What is this cake & where does it come from?
This cake comes from Palermo in Sicily and is known as Pan d’Arancia.
It’s a traditional home-style cake made with whole oranges. There are many versions—some more rustic, some more decorative—but the idea stays the same: simple ingredients and full citrus flavor.
In Sicily, it’s a classic everyday bake, not just for special occasions.
How to choose the best ingredients
Oranges: Use the best quality you can—preferably organic, since you’re using the whole fruit. Sweet varieties with thin skin work best
All-purpose flour: Regular flour is perfect—just sift it before use for a lighter texture
Cane sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note that pairs beautifully with orange
Butter: Gives the best flavor. You can replace it with oil, but butter adds depth
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature—they help the cake rise and stay soft
Baking powder: Essential for a light, fluffy texture—don’t skip it
Top Tip for Success
- Use whole oranges—this is what makes the cake unique
- If your oranges are not very sweet, just add a bit more sugar
- Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the cake soft
- If using a food processor, mix gently at the end to keep some orange texture
- You can add dark chocolate chips for a richer version
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cloves if you want a more winter flavor
- If you have leftover orange peels, make candied orange peel—great for other desserts
How to Enjoy!
- With coffee or espresso — simple and classic
- With a light orange glaze — enhances the citrus flavor
- Slightly warm — the aroma is even stronger
- As a Christmas cake alternative — lighter than traditional options
- With gelato italian ice cream, warm cake with cold ice cream is honestly one of the best combinations
- With fresh fruit or whipped cream — if you want something more dessert-like
- On its own — honestly, it doesn’t need anything else
More Cakes I Love
Royal Carrot Cake with Lemon White Chocolate Topping
Apple Cake by Natalia (from the book Apple Cake a Gratitude)
Pumpkin cake with pineapple and cheese frosting
Amaretto Cake Coffee Cream (no flour)
Sicilian Whole Orange Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- I often use a food processor/stand mixer to make cakes, but this it is so simple you can make it with a spoon and a large bowl which will be perfect for the mix.
- If you use dough making machines, use medium speed for practically the whole dough, only after adding puree orange do you reduce the speed to the lowest. Those who use machines cook faster.
- We don't have the opportunity to get oranges straight from the tree, so it's worth ensuring they are as healthy as possible when we use them for Sicilian Orange Cake.
- Scrub the oranges thoroughly under cold running water. I use a natural bristle brush for this, which cleans best. Then, scald the washed oranges to finally get rid of the rest of the germs and chemicals.
- We leave one orange on top of the cake and grate the peel from the rest (we can do it with a fine grater or a special zest). You do this before peeling the orange from the white skin called albedo. I like to eat it because it contains a whole range of minerals, vitamins, and pectin. However, I don't recommend adding it to the dough because it can taste bitter.
- Then, peel each whole orange, remove the white pith, and place it in a strainer. The orange mixture needs just a few minutes to drain excess orange juice.
- You can use orange juice for the orange glaze or drink it or bake Pumpkin Orange Muffins.
- Start mixing the butter and sugar until fluffy in a bowl, then add the eggs one at a time. Once the fluffy mass has absorbed the eggs, add the rest dry ingredients (be sure to sift the flour with baking powder to give it lightness).
- We add grated orange peel and drained orange puree at the end. Mix everything thoroughly with a spoon. The orange pieces mustn't be too smooth puree because I like how we feel these oranges in this orange cake.
- If you are using a food processor, it is important to do this at the lowest speed. I like the delicately perceptible pieces of orange in the dough; only this treatment guarantees it.
- The ingredients fit perfectly into the cake's round springform pan with a diameter 8-9 inches.
- Now prepare the cake pan. Put parchment paper on the bottom of the baking tray, grease the bottom with fat, and sprinkle with a cane or granulated sugar. Arrange the orange slices as you like. I put them around and put one in the middle.
- Pour the dough onto a springform pan and put it in the oven.
- Pour the previous cake mixture and bake in a preheated oven to 180°C/350°F/ Gas mark 4s for about 40 minutes for the so-called dry stick. I always use a wooden skewer stick for this.
- After baking, carefully remove the cake pan, put a plate or cake stand where we will lay out the cake, and turn it over so that the orange slices are on top.
- If you want to sprinkle the cake with icing sugar, wait until let it cool completely, then, this treatment will give sweetness and beautifully decorate the cake.
- This little treatment gives an amazing visual effect in a whole orange cake recipe.
Natalie says
Amazing orange cake! Perfectly moist and aromatic.
Maggie says
I love this recipe. Whole orange cake is my favorite!
Debi says
I ate exactly this cake in Sicily pan d'arancio. Thank you
Liz says
Moist and incredible tasty cake. Thank you
Leslie says
This is my favorite cake. It is moist and delicious, perfect for any occasion, and the sweetness and aroma of orange make it special.