These orange desserts spotlight citrus in every form, from syrup-soaked cakes and dessert bars to fruit-filled trifles and cheesecakes.
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Orange Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I usually make these bite-sized orange cookies at Christmastime, when Florida citrus is plentiful, but they're delicious any time of year. Every time I sniff their wonderful aroma, I remember my grandmother, who shared the recipe. —Lori DiPietro, New Port Richey, Florida
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Harvey Wallbanger Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is from my Aunt Martha, who passed away recently at the age of 94. She found ways to substitute the water in almost any cake recipe with vodka or rum. She left this recipe for Harvey Wallbanger Cake taped to her kitchen cabinet. —Lynda Szczepanik, Highland Park, Illinois
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Orange Sugar Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these citrusy cookies for parties and special occasions, and we always get to eat the ones that don't come out perfectly. Eventually I had to start making extra "mistakes" to keep my family happy! —Myrrh Wertz, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Orange Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
A delightful orange frosting is the secret to this cake from Kathleen Gingras of Thorold, Ontario. "It is great with a scoop of ice cream," she suggests.
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Blood Orange Caramel Tarte Tatin
From the Recipe Creator:
I never had blood oranges until I moved to California. The season is short, so I use them in everything while I can get them. That sweet orange flavor with some brown sugar is a perfect combination. Whenever I have something to go to, my friends demand that I bring this orange dessert. —Pamela Butkowski, Hermosa Beach, California
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Orange Twists
From the Recipe Creator:
These soft and sweet twists have a long shelf life. You can make a number of flavor variations with this recipe, including lemon, cherry and almond. I sometimes add a confectioners’ sugar glaze. —Raine Gottess, Lantana, Florida
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Cranberry-Orange Tiramisu
From the Recipe Creator:
The holiday version of tiramisu trades the amaretto and coffee notes of the traditional dessert for the bright, seasonal flavors of cranberries and orange. The combination of orange liqueur and Marsala wine make this a delicious and potent meal-ender. —Jerry Gulley, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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Hawaiian Sunset Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This three-layer sunset cake is pretty enough for company, but it’s so simple to make that you’ll find yourself baking it often. A boxed mix keeps it convenient while the fruity filling makes it a crowd-pleaser. —Kara De la Vega, Suisun City, California
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Orange Ice Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
Orange zest and juice give this ice cream a bright orange flavor. The summer treat is soft and easy to scoop. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
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Cranberry-Orange Cake with Lemon Glaze
From the Recipe Creator:
I used cranberries for decorations in a wedding, then challenged myself to find a way to use up the surplus. This pretty, super moist cake with cranberries in the batter and sometimes, sugared ones on top, was the result! —S. Jade Klope, Paducah, Kentucky
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Citrus Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
This beautiful layered cheesecake takes a bit longer to make, but the end result is so worth it! Citrus seems to be the perfect ending for an Easter meal, and the bright flavors really shine in this dessert. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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Orange-Pistachio Divinity
From the Recipe Creator:
Old-fashioned divinity candy is even yummier with a hint of refreshing orange zest and bits of crunchy pistachios. Store-bought versions just can’t compare! —Lorri Reinhardt, Big Bend, Wisconsin
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Citrus Cornmeal Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Cornmeal adds a rustic quality to this delicate dessert flavored with citrus and almond. It makes a great holiday party hostess gift and is sure to be a staple in your recipe collection. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
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Orange Ricotta Cake Roll
From the Recipe Creator:
I come from a big Italian family. When I was growing up, my mom cooked and baked many delicious meals and desserts from scratch. Now I do the same for my family. This cake is my finale to our special-occasion dinners. —Cathy Banks, Encinitas, California
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Orange Cream Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
For a lower-fat alternative to pops filled with ice cream, try this citrus novelty. The tangy orange flavor will make your taste buds tingle, while the silky smooth texture offers cool comfort. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Chocolate Orange Rounds
From the Recipe Creator:
I send these chocolate orange cookies to family and friends in other areas of the country. The two-tone treats deliver a citrusy taste of the Sunshine State. —Geordyth Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida
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Chipotle-Orange Baklava
From the Recipe Creator:
Citrus, cinnamon and smoky chipotle peppers make my version of this flaky, sweet pastry so unique. It's really rich, so a little goes a long way. —Christine Neary, Portland, Oregon
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Cranberry Orange Pound Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
At the summer tourist resort my husband and I operate in Ontario, we prepare all the meals for our guests, so I'm always trying out new recipes. —Sheree Swistun, Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Marinated Oranges
From the Recipe Creator:
This flavorful fruit was actually the topping in a cake recipe. But I didn't want all the calories or fat from the cake—and the oranges are a good dessert all by themselves! The dash of vanilla extract brings out the fruit's sweetness. —Carol Poindexter, Norridge, Illinois
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Orange Chocolate Mousse Mirror Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
A shiny, mirrorlike orange glaze covers a chocolate mousse cake to create a delicious showstopping dessert your guests will be talking about for weeks to come.—Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
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Orange Crispies
From the Recipe Creator:
Add a splash of little sunshine to your cookie jar with this recipe. When I want to spread some cheer, I'll bake up a double batch to share. —Ruth Gladstone, Brunswick, Maryland
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Arctic Orange Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This frosty orange pie is so easy to make. I have tried lemonade, mango and pineapple juice concentrates instead of orange, and my family loves each one. —Marie Przepierski, Erie, Pennsylvania
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Chocolate-Dipped Orange Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender cookies are pretty to look at—and the combination of cream cheese, orange, chocolate and almonds makes them almost irresistible. —Linda Call, Falun, Kansas
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Double Chocolate Orange Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
I have to give my husband credit for this idea—since we love chocolate and orange together, he suggested I come up with this recipe. Now they're not only his favorite, but also the whole family's. I'm always asked to bake these brownies for family gatherings. —Elinor Townsend, North Grafton, Massachusetts
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Blackberry-Orange Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother made luscious fruit pies and cobblers using blackberries from her garden. I decided to follow her lead and create a blackberry cake that's always lovely with a summer meal. —Lisa M. Varner, El Paso, Texas
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Grandma Brubaker’s Orange Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
At least two generations of my family have enjoyed the recipe for these light, delicate orange-flavored cookies. —Sheri DeBolt, Huntington, Indiana
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Marbled Orange Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
This decadent treat doesn't last long at our house. The Creamsicle flavor of this soft fudge brings on the smiles. Bright orange and marshmallow swirls make it a perfect takealong for events and get-togethers. —Diane Wampler, Morristown, Tennessee
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Pig Pickin’ Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite cakes. It’s moist and light yet so satisfying. I’ve been adapting it for years and now it’s almost guilt free. —Pam Sjolund, Columbia, South Carolina
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Creamy Orange Caramels
From the Recipe Creator:
Each Christmas I teach myself a new candy recipe. Last year I started with my caramel recipe and added a splash of orange extract for fun. This year I just might try buttered rum extract. —Shelly Bevington-Fisher, Hermiston, Oregon
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Cranberry-Orange Trifle
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this showstopper for many occasions, slightly changing—or adding—ingredients. I sometimes add toasted coconut between the layers. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario
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Orange & Lemon Wafer Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These light citrus cookies go so well with a cup of coffee or tea after a heavy holiday meal. —JoAnn Belack, Bradenton, Florida
Orange Desserts FAQ
How do I make orange zest for dessert recipes?
There are several methods to zest citrus like oranges and lemons. Use a fine grater, microplane or citrus zester to gently scrape off the outermost, bright-colored layer of the peel. This thin layer contains concentrated essential oils that give orange desserts signature aroma and flavor. Avoid grating into the white pith of the orange underneath, as it’s quite bitter and doesn’t contribute the sweet citrus note you want.
Can I use orange juice instead of zest in recipes?
You can substitute orange juice for zest in a pinch, but it’s not a perfect one-to-one swap. The zest of any citrus fruit contains all the essential oils that add sweetness and a subtle tang to citrus desserts. If the recipe relies on the flavor of zest, like in a sponge or frosting, swapping in juice may leave it tasting flat or watered down. However, orange juice works well in custards, glazes, syrups and orange-flavored drinks, where liquid and acidity matter more than intensity. If you’re out of zest, consider using substitutes like dried peels or reducing the fresh juice on the stovetop to deepen its flavors.
How do I store orange desserts to keep them fresh?
You can store most orange desserts in an airtight container for three to four days, depending on the ingredients. Dry sponge cakes and muffins hold well at room temperature for a day or two. However, desserts with whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, custards, trifles and citrus curds are best refrigerated for freshness and food safety. Store them away from strong-smelling foods and wrap tightly or use sealed containers to preserve their citrus flavor.
