17 Citrus Cakes That Taste Like Sunshine

Citrus desserts bring lively flavors and soft textures to every type of cake. These recipes use lemons and oranges in chilled, baked, and glazed forms to create striking results. Some rely on bright zest, while others use creamy fillings or warm spices. Each dish highlights a different way citrus can shape simple and memorable sweets.

Chocolate Orange Cake

Slice of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting on a white plate, garnished with orange slice and candy. A whole cake is in the background. — Chocolate Orange Cake. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

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This cake blends rich chocolate with gentle orange flavor. The crumb stays soft and smooth. Orange notes lift the deeper cocoa taste. Each slice brings a balanced mix of warm and bright flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Orange Cake

Lemon Icebox Cake

A layered dessert with a cracker base, creamy middle, and a yellow fruit topping, garnished with a lemon slice on a white plate. — Lemon Icebox Cake. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

This chilled cake layers creamy lemon filling with softened components. The texture becomes smooth after resting in the refrigerator. Lemon keeps the flavor light. Each serving feels cool and sweet.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Icebox Cake

Lemon Loaf Cake

A loaf of lemon cake with white icing, topped with lemon slices, sits on a rectangular white plate with a slice cut. — Lemon Loaf Cake. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This loaf features a clean lemon flavor throughout. The crumb stays tender and even. A light glaze adds sweetness. Each slice offers a simple citrus taste.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf Cake

Lemon Meringue Cake

This cake combines lemon filling with soft cake layers. A fluffy meringue topping adds height and texture. The filling brings brightness. Each bite feels airy and smooth.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Meringue Cake

Lemon Poke Cake

A slice of yellow cake with a layer of white frosting and lemon zest on top, served on a white plate with a striped cloth in the background. — Lemon Poke Cake. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

The cake absorbs a lemon filling that keeps it soft. A topping adds more citrus flavor. The texture becomes tender throughout. Each square tastes sweet and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poke Cake

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Poppy seeds bring subtle crunch to the lemon crumb. The cake stays moist and light. Lemon adds a pleasant aroma. Each slice mixes gentle texture with bright flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Lemon Ricotta Cake

A round lemon cake dusted with powdered sugar on a green patterned plate, with a slice removed and a whole lemon with leaves beside it. — Lemon Ricotta Cake. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

Ricotta gives the crumb a velvety texture. Lemon adds freshness. The cake stays slightly dense in a pleasant way. Each slice feels smooth and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Cake

Lemon Sheet Cake

A rectangular baking pan filled with lemon bars, each cut into squares and topped with a small lemon slice. A whole lemon and lemon slices are nearby. — Lemon Sheet Cake. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

This cake bakes evenly in a wide pan. Lemon keeps the flavor bright. Frosting spreads easily over the top. Each piece serves cleanly and tastes consistent.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Sheet Cake

Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake

A glazed bundt cake with a slice removed, showing a moist interior with visible pieces of fruit on a round plate. — Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Mandarin oranges bring sweetness and moisture. The bundt shape creates a decorative finish. The crumb stays soft. Each slice shows gentle fruit flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake

Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes

A plate of mini bundt cakes topped with white icing and garnished with fresh blueberries and raspberries. — Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These small bundt cakes highlight strong lemon aroma. The texture stays soft and even. A glaze adds a sweet touch. Each cake makes a simple individual dessert.
Get the Recipe: Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes

Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe

A bundt cake with white icing drizzled on top, garnished with chopped nuts, displayed on a white plate. — xr:d:DAF6mFsObGs:82,j:6335855273531298136,t:24012413

Orange brings fragrance while pecans add crunch. The crumb stays moist. Citrus balances the nutty flavor. Each slice blends the two elements smoothly.
Get the Recipe: Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe

Orange Creamsicle Bundt Cake

A bundt cake with white frosting swirls and an orange slice on top, with one slice served on a small glass plate in front. — Orange Creamsicle Bundt Cake. Photo credit: Noshing With The Nolands.

This cake brings together creamy and citrus notes. The crumb stays soft. Orange flavor remains gentle. Each slice recalls a classic frozen treat.
Get the Recipe: Orange Creamsicle Bundt Cake

Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake

A creamy orange filling sinks into the cake. The texture becomes tender and smooth. A topping adds more sweetness. Each serving has a cool, fruity taste.
Get the Recipe: Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake

Orange Glazed Cardamom Cake

A slice of yellow cake dusted with powdered sugar on a white plate with a fork, next to a larger cake on parchment paper. — Orange Glazed Cardamom Cake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cardamom adds warm spice while orange keeps the flavor bright. The glaze adds sweetness. The crumb stays tender. Each slice blends gentle spice with citrus notes.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Cardamom Cake

Vegan Chocolate Orange Marble Bundt Cake

A sliced marble bundt cake with a swirl pattern sits on parchment paper, garnished with powdered sugar and orange zest, with orange slices nearby. — xr:d:DAF6mFsObGs:77,j:6250286790047307868,t:24012316

Chocolate and orange swirl for a striking appearance. The cake stays soft without dairy. Orange lifts the cocoa flavor. Each slice offers a smooth blend of both tastes.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Orange Marble Bundt Cake

Vegan Lemon Poppyseed Cake

A loaf of poppy seed cake dusted with powdered sugar sits on a wooden board, partially sliced to reveal its moist texture. — xr:d:DAF6WO3bZbc:4,j:219967099621689104,t:24012517

Plant based ingredients keep the crumb tender. Lemon adds brightness. Poppy seeds bring light texture. Each slice feels balanced and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Lemon Poppyseed Cake