Orange Zest Tea Cake

🍊 Orange Zest - This is what gives the cake its bright, fresh aroma. Always zest before juicing and use only the outer orange layer (not the bitter white pith). 

🥛 Yogurt (Curd) - Acts as the egg replacer. It helps create a tender, moist crumb and gives the cake lightness and structure. 

🧃 Fresh Orange Juice - Natural acidity and sweetness from real juice make a huge difference in flavor—avoid bottled juice if possible. 

🛢️ Neutral Oil - keeps the cake moist for days. Unlike butter, oil doesn’t harden when chilled, so your tea cake stays soft even when refrigerated.

🍴 Ingredients (Tea Cake – 750 g)

Ingredient	Weight
All-purpose flour (maida)	360 g
Baking powder	12 g
Baking soda	6 g
Orange zest	6 g
Yogurt (curd)	150 g
Fresh orange juice	90 ml
Milk	90 ml
Neutral oil	120 g
Sugar (powdered/castor)	270 g
Vanilla extract	6 g
Salt	A generous pinch

🍊 Ingredients for Orange Glaze

Ingredient	Quantity
Icing sugar	100 g
Fresh orange juice	2–3 tbsp
Orange zest	½ tsp (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Method: Orange Zest Tea Cake

1. Preheat oven to 160°C. Grease and line a 9–10 inch round or square tin.
2. Mix wet ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, orange juice, milk, oil, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add dry ingredients
   Sift in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest. Mix gently until you have a smooth batter—don’t overmix.
4. Bake
   Pour the batter into the prepared tin. Bake at 160°C for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cool completely before glazing.

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🍊 Method: Orange Glaze

1. In a bowl, sift the icing sugar to remove lumps.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice and whisk until smooth.
3. Adjust consistency with more juice if needed.
4. Mix in orange zest for extra flavor (optional).
5. Pour over the cooled cake and let it set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

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📝 Storage & Serving Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Best served slightly warm or at room temperature.
• Garnish with dried orange slices, candied peel, or a dusting of icing sugar for presentation.

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💬 Final Notes: This eggless orange tea cake is an absolute favorite for both everyday baking and festive gifting. The one-bowl method keeps it easy, while the glaze adds a professional finish. Looking for more citrus-based eggless bakes? Explore our full Eggless Tea Cakes Collection for lemon loaves, orange-chocolate combos, and more.