If you’re craving a dessert that’s fresh and vibrant, with just the right balance of sweetness and tang, then this gluten-free orange sheet cake is exactly what you need. Packed with bright citrus flavor and topped with a creamy orange glaze!
This gluten-free orange sheet cake is a wonderful way to enjoy a zesty, citrus-packed treat without worrying about gluten. It uses a blend of gluten-free flours to create a soft, moist crumb, and the addition of fresh orange zest and juice infuses it with a burst of citrus that makes every bite refreshing. It’s light, flavorful, and the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself to a little something special, this cake will hit the spot.
Sheet cakes bake in just 15 minutes and can easily serve at least 20! It’s a great way to satisfy that sweet craving without committing to a large slice of a layered cake. Perfect to bring to a holiday gathering. And when sliced, this cake can be picked up and eaten or enjoyed with a fork. Sheet cakes, particularly of the Texas variety, tend to have a thinner, glossy icing that is smoothed over the warm cake. I created a vanilla-orange glaze. Then, I sprinkled with chopped pecans and an orange slice. You could also top with a vanilla or orange buttercream.
Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Orange Sheet Cake
Moist and Tender Texture: The combination of gluten-free flour, Greek yogurt, and applesauce creates a light, soft texture that’s anything but dry. Even those who aren't gluten-sensitive will love the way this cake feels.
Vibrant Citrus Flavor: The fresh orange zest and juice make this cake incredibly refreshing. It's like a burst of sunshine in every bite!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a birthday, family gathering, or a casual dessert, this cake is the perfect centerpiece. It’s easy to make and will feed a crowd!
Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness by swapping sugar with a healthier alternative, or even add a little zest by incorporating poppy seeds for some crunch.
Gluten-Free: This cake is a great option for those following a gluten-free diet, and it’s a perfect way to show that gluten-free baking doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or texture.
Ingredients:
For the Gluten Free Orange Sheet Cake
1 stick of butter, melted
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. maple syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. applesauce
1/2 c. Greek yogurt
Zest of 1 orange
4 Tbsp. orange juice
1/4 c. milk
2 eggs
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. gluten free flour blend
Orange Glaze
4 Tbsp. butter
6 Tbsp. coconut oil
1 - 2 Tbsp. orange juice
2 - 3 Tbsp. milk (total liquid between milk and lemon juice should be 4 Tbsp.)
2 c. powdered sugar
Optional: 1 c. pecans, chopped
Optional: orange slices
Steps to Make Gluten Free Orange Sheet Cake
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch sheet cake pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, applesauce, yogurt, orange zest, orange juice, milk, and eggs. Next, whisk in the baking soda and flour.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased jelly roll pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 12-16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back slightly when touched.
Make the Orange Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the butter, coconut oil, orange juice, milk, and powdered sugar over low heat. Whisk until a thick glaze forms. Pour over the warm cake and quickly smooth out with an offset spatula. If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans and/or orange slices.
Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing. This will allow the glaze to harden.
Serve and Enjoy: Cut the cake into squares or slices and enjoy! Store leftovers in the fridge.
What is a sheet cake?
A sheet cake is baked in a large, shallow pan, like a jelly roll pan. Regular cakes are typically baked in a 9x13 baking dish or round cake pans. Texas sheet cake is a chocolate sheet cake with a glossy ganache icing and topped with chopped pecans.
If you’re craving a dessert that’s fresh and vibrant, with just the right balance of sweetness and tang, then this gluten-free orange sheet cake is exactly what you need. Packed with bright citrus flavor and topped with a creamy orange glaze!
2 - 3 Tbsp. milk (total liquid between milk and lemon juice should be 4 Tbsp.)
2 c. powdered sugar
Optional: 1 c. pecans, chopped
Optional: orange slices
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, applesauce, yogurt, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, milk, and eggs. Next, whisk in the baking soda and flour. Pour batter into a greased jelly roll pan. Bake for 12-16 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
In a small saucepan, heat the butter, coconut oil, orange juice, milk, and powdered sugar over low heat. Whisk until a thick glaze forms. Pour over the warm cake and quickly smooth out with an offset spatula. If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans and/or orange slices.
Allow to cool before slicing- icing will set. Store leftovers in the fridge.
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