41 Best Orange Dessert Recipes for Citrus Season

Is your backyard orange tree full of fruit this citrus season? These zesty orange dessert recipes are perfect for a refreshing summer treat!

Whether it’s sinking your teeth into a fresh orange and feeling the juice drip down your chin or enjoying a cold orange popsicle on a hot day, we all have a memory of eating oranges in summer.

In fact, oranges are one of those rare ingredients that transition seamlessly between sweet and savory, hot and cold, and all seasons.

It’s also a really affordable ingredient, even growing in many people’s backyards! So, if you find yourself with an abundance of oranges, what can you do?

Well, here’s a list of forty-one delicious orange dessert recipes to get the cogs turning and satisfy that sweet tooth.

What Can I Do with Lots of Oranges?

Oranges are known for their fresh orange juice, so if you have a ton of oranges to work with, the best place to start is to use them for their juice! Orange juice keeps well in the fridge for a while.

Beyond that, you can use the juice to prepare all sorts of things next time. Popsicles, cakes, desserts; there’s no limit to what you can do with this liquid gold for the best results.

You can also try preserving the oranges to last longer. Orange preserves are sweet and tart, with an iconic citrus undertone that will make your mouth water with every mouthful.

Orange Dessert Recipes

We’re kicking things off with the best of the best. Classic orange dessert recipes that make the best of this delightful citrus!

From imitation Dreamsicles to refined orange and olive oil cakes, there’s something for every kind of orange lover on this list of best orange desserts. Let’s dig in!

1. Dairy-Free Orange Dreamsicle Ice Cream Bars

Source: theveganatlas.com

First things first, we can’t have a list of orange recipes without bringing up the iconic Dreamsicle.

This tried-and-true popsicle is both creamy and full of citrus flavor, the perfect combination for a hot summer day.

These ice cream bars are so easy to make, too! The whole family will love how good this perfect dessert recipe is, from the littlest kids to the oldest adults.

Keep these orange dream bars in the freezer for an emergency dose of summery goodness.

Enjoy these other dairy-free dessert recipes this summer!

2. Creamsicle Orange Cupcakes

Source: quietbakingday.com

If you love creamsicles, but you’re not in the mood for something cold, I’ve got the orange cake recipe for you!

These creamsicle orange cupcakes have all the hallmarks of an iconic creamsicle flavor profile.

These cupcakes are easy to whip up in big batches, which means they’re great for neighborhood events, parties, special occasions, and other similar functions.

3. Orange Blossom Bundt Cake

Source: thesimple-sweetlife.com

Orange blossom water is a unique ingredient that I highly recommend keeping in your pantry, if only because it will mean you can make this cake whenever you want.

It’s like a lighter, subtler version of orange extract that tastes much more natural (and therefore, better). That’s why this orange blossom bundt cake is an absolute treat!

Grab your favorite bundt pan, a large bowl, and a few simple ingredients, and get baking!

This is one of the prettiest fancy dessert recipes for a special occasion!

4. Orange Fluff Salad

Source: fantabulosity.com

There are fluff salads, and then there is this orange fluff salad. It’s in a league of its own, with an incredible array of tastes and textures ready to sweep you into another dimension.

This salad comes together with just five ingredients, taking no more than forty minutes to get ready. However, only about ten minutes of that is actual hands-on time.

The rest is chilling time! The mandarin oranges give it that bright orange color and delicious orange flavor!

Feeling the retro vibes of this salad? Check out these other vintage Jello desserts!

5. Orange Pound Cake with Orange Glaze

Source: richanddelish.com

A pound cake is classically dense, with a delicious buttery crumb that makes it a perfect combo with whipped cream or ice cream.

Now, imagine that with a shock of tart, sweet orange glaze, and fresh orange zest.

Whatever you’re imagining, this sweet treat is a hundred times better still. This incredible pound cake is beginner-friendly, so even if you’ve never touched a whisk in your life, you can nail this.

6. Orange Cheesecake in a Glass

Source: daniscookings.com

Need something sweet yet refined for your next dinner party during the citrus season? These miniature orange cheesecakes will do the trick!

They look like they stepped out of a restaurant. That’s how pretty they are.

But from the first bite, these orange cheesecakes are all about creature comforts. Soft, cool, and humming with a delicate orange flavor, these are the perfect cap to an evening with friends.

You’ll also enjoy these other adorable mini dessert recipes!

7. Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Source: waitingforblancmange.com

If you can believe it, this orange rolls recipe puts a sweet, tart spin on cinnamon rolls that makes them twice as good as usual.

The sweet orange filling balances out the dark cinnamon, making these lighter to eat.

Not only is the flavor perfectly balanced, but the orange also adds to the texture. These cinnamon rolls are ultra-moist, ultra-flavorful, and unforgettable!

8. Orange Berry Panna Cotta Tart

Source: daniscookings.com

This dessert is so many different things at once, but it somehow manages to balance all those elements evenly. Imagine a delicate panna cotta poured into a perfectly crispy tart shell.

That’s what this recipe delivers, and it’s amazing! Biting into the tart shell gives way to cool, smooth panna cotta infused with a gentle orange flavor.

Top with your favorite fresh fruit for a showstopping dessert.

9. Blood Orange Upside Down Cake

Source: theforkedspoon.com

Blood oranges aren’t technically the same as oranges, but they share enough similarities that I’m going to include this recipe on the list of easy orange desserts.

Trust me, it’s worth the small deviation. This blood orange upside down cake tastes as incredible as it looks, thanks to the fresh orange flavor, and that’s saying something!

Making a showstopping dessert with a bright citrus flavor can take a lot of time, but this moist orange cake comes together so quickly and somehow still occupies the showstopper category.

10. Orange Creamsicle Cookies

Source: bellyfull.net

Here’s another way to enjoy that classic orange creamsicle flavor. These cookies are a delightful addition to any kids party, especially if you’re hosting a birthday!

These are a lot like chocolate chip cookies but with some simple substitutions. White chocolate chips replace dark chocolate, and orange extract replaces the vanilla in the dough.

11. Orange Creamsicle Gummies

Source: joyfilledeats.com

We’ve had ice cream bars, cupcakes, and cookies… and now we have gummies! The orange creamsicle flavor is everywhere, and I, for one, am not complaining.

That’s right, you can make your own gummies at home with ease. In fact, you can replace the orange flavoring in this recipe with any flavor of your choice to create your signature gummy variation.

12. Orange-Lemon Citrus Pound Cake with Citrus Cream

Source: eatmovemake.com

Bring a bite of lemon into the mix to balance out the sweetness of the orange, and you’ve got a party! Two citruses are better than one, especially when it’s in a pound cake like this.

The citrus cream is the icing on the cake, literally. It’s light, fluffy, and just sweet enough to make it belong with the rest of the dish without overwhelming the palate.

13. Fresh Orange Bars

Source: anaffairfromtheheart.com

You’ve heard of lemon bars, but have you ever made orange bars? This simple citrus substitution has opened up a whole new world of flavor.

The buttery base and sweet orange topping are out of this world!

Try making these ahead of time and bringing them along to your next potluck or picnic. There’s something about enjoying these outdoors that makes them twice as good.

14. Orange Chiffon Cake

Source: thriftyjinxy.com

A chiffon cake is notoriously delicious, featuring a light and delicate texture many bakers work for years to achieve. But with this recipe, you can have it in just an hour!

Create the perfect chiffon – delicate orange flavor included – to delight and impress your guests. This is a great recipe to reach for when you’re hosting a friend’s birthday party.

15. Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake

Source: joyfilledeats.com

Oh, you thought we were done with the orange creamsicle possibilities? Far from it! This iconic flavor can also be transformed into a cheesecake, and the results are mouth-watering.

Not to mention, this incredible cheesecake is also keto-friendly! 

16. Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Mascarpone Frosting

Source: livforcake.com

Orange and poppy seed are one of those flavor combinations that have people getting nostalgic. So, embrace the days gone by with this old-fashioned, vintage take on an orange poppy seed cake.

The mascarpone frosting helps to balance the rich sweetness in the cake, making this an addictive centerpiece you and your guests won’t be able to put down.

17. Gluten-Free Orange Olive Oil Cake

Source: bluesbestlife.com

If you’ve never tried an olive oil cake, today is the day to do it! This is the gluten-free cake of your dreams, featuring almond flour and plenty of orange flavors.

The olive oil serves to keep this cake extremely moist, while the orange juice tinges it with an appetizing color that reflects its namesake.

It’s light, bright, and not overly sweet. The perfect brunch food!

18. Candied Citrus Peel

Source: bayevskitchen.com

They say you should use all parts of the bull, and I happen to feel the same way about citrus fruits. There’s so much flavor to be found in an orange peel if you just know what to do with it.

Take, for example, this candied citrus peel. Not only is this a great snack on its own, but it’s also great to use in different baking endeavors. Top a cake, stuff a cupcake, or enjoy it on its own!

19. Orange Upside Down Cake

Source: thesavorycipolla.com

This classic upside down cake is super moist thanks to the orange slices embedded in the base. Even more so thanks to the syrup drenching it from the underside.

Imagine this as the centerpiece of your picnic! It calls to mind sunshine and wonderful family days spent outside.

20. Orange Creamsicle Truffles

Source: onmykidsplate.com

That’s right, more creamsicles! This would make a wonderful gift for a creamsicle lover, especially because giving a delicious homemade gift is the ultimate winner on birthdays and holidays.

These truffles are so easy to make, even though they look like they popped out of a chocolate shop. Simply melt your chocolate, mix in the other elements, and scoop into little balls. You’re done!

Cranberry Orange Dessert Ideas

Cranberry and orange are an iconic combination, with tart cranberry offering a sharp counterpoint to sweet orange. In desserts, the pairing is even better!

21. Cranberry Orange Tart

Source: threeolivesbranch.com

Let’s begin this category with the kind of dish that makes everyone think of sunshine: an orange and berry tart. This is a quick and easy dessert that you can whip up in less than thirty minutes.

Make it your own! Use any seasonal fruit you have to hand to turn it into an entire fruit tart if you like.

22. Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake

Source: noshingwiththenolands.com

Bundt cakes are shaped the way they are to invite bakers to pour all their favorite toppings and ingredients into the center hole.

That way, by cutting through it, guests release the treasure trove of treats!

That’s what makes this cranberry orange bundt cake such a wonderful choice for the holiday season. The colors call to mind the fall leaves, and the flavors are full of rich autumnal joy.

Put your cake pan to use with these cute mini bundt cake recipes!

23. German Cranberry Orange Cream Tart

Source: all-thats-jas.com

Take a leaf out of Germany’s book with this amazing cream tart. This is another festive dessert designed to be served around Christmastime.

The tart is stuffed with rich orange cream and then dotted with dried cranberries, creating the perfect bite every single time.

Sprinkled with icing sugar, this looks like joy and good tidings on a plate.

24. Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding

Source: threeolivesbranch.com

The only thing better than regular bread pudding is when you get creative and include some other flavors.

In this case, the orange and cranberries scattered throughout the bread pudding make it a thousand times better than usual!

The secret, of course, is to be generous and indelicate with the ingredients to give the bread pudding that rustic edge.

25. Cranberry Orange Cake

Source: livforcake.com

Keep things simple and utterly delicious with this amazing cranberry orange cake. Whether you need a birthday cake or a holiday centerpiece, this recipe will serve you well.

The cream cheese frosting is the make-or-break element here, adding a touch of creamy sweetness to counteract the tart cranberries without overwhelming the palate. It’s to die for!

26. Cranberry Orange Bread

Source: chefsavvy.com

If you’re more of a bread person, why not try this cranberry and orange bread? Moist, dense, and perfect to pull apart, this is an ideal addition to any holiday spread.

Serve with your favorite preserves or let your guests enjoy it on its own; it will hit the spot either way.

27. Orange Cranberry Cookies

Source: lovefromtheoven.com

Baking cookies is a wonderful way to give thoughtful gifts to your acquaintances and co-workers without doing a number on your wallet. So, why not try these orange and cranberry cookies?

These are buttery, sharp, and sweet. You can whip up a batch of these in no time, so they’re great for last-minute gift-giving!

28. Cranberry Orange Cake with Amaretto Glaze

Source: cookingontheweekends.com

Next up is a delicious gluten-free cake option that means everyone coming to Thanksgiving or Christmas can enjoy the desserts you’re laying down.

This looks like a gift waiting to be unwrapped, with a sticky amaretto glaze that imparts a delicious boozy kick to the cake.

29. Cranberry Orange Pie

Source: thesimple-sweetlife.com

This recipe gives all other fruit pies a run for their money. Try this Thanksgiving cranberry pie alternative by adding a kick of delicious citrus to the proceedings!

Nothing changes about the buttery crust, tart cranberries, and delicious whipped cream. The only addition is a twist of orange that brings everything up a notch.

Best of all, this only takes an hour to make!

30. Orange Shortbread Cookies with Cranberry Glaze

Source: livetosweet.com

Shortbread cookies are in a league of their own in terms of flavor and texture. There’s nothing better than biting into a buttery shortbread cookie and feeling the crumbs melt away in your mouth.

This orange shortbread takes things even further, incorporating a delicate orange flavor and light cranberry glaze perfect for fall.

Chocolate Orange Dessert Ideas

Chocolate and orange are proof that strange combinations often result in amazing flavors. Dark chocolate and sweet, fragrant oranges are absolutely amazing together, especially in desserts.

While this might be a polarizing combination – some people find it strange, others delicious – there’s no doubt that it has a ton of potential as the foundation for some great desserts.

31. Chocolate Orange Cupcakes

Source: keep-calm-and-eat-ice-cream.com

One of the best places to experiment with new flavor combinations is in a delicious, moist cupcake. So, that’s what we’re starting this section of the list with!

These chocolate orange cupcakes mostly taste like chocolate but with a bright orange aftertaste that keeps bringing you back in for more. Best of all, they’re so simple to make, your kids could do it!

32. Vegan Chocolate Orange Truffle Tart with Candied Kumquats

Source: crumbsandcaramel.com

A kumquat, while a hotly debated fruit, is generally placed in the citrus family. In other words, it’s the perfect companion for a chocolate and orange truffle tart.

And let’s get into that because that’s a lot of words to break down at once. This tart is basically a giant truffle, with a rich truffle-like filling nestled into the crispy shell.

The candied kumquats go on top to add a big kick of bright sweetness. Overall, this is an incredible dessert that any home cook should be proud to serve!

33. Chocolate Orange Cake

Source: entirelyelizabeth.com

Need something for your next date night? Impress your significant other without taking away any of your quality time with this quick and easy chocolate orange cake for two.

This is the perfect serving for two cake-loving individuals (and if you have a little bit leftover, no one’s going to complain, that’s how good this is).

34. Chocolate Orange Cookies

Source: mymorningmocha.com

Gear up for anything from a school open day to a picnic in the park with these crowd-pleasing chocolate orange cookies.

These are moist, flavored with dark chocolate, and finish on a bright aftertaste.

In other words, they’re a perfectly-balanced sugar rush waiting to happen. What more could you want from a cookie?

35. Dark Chocolate-Covered Candied Orange Slices

Source: cravingsomethinghealthy.com

Keep it super simple with these dark chocolate-covered orange slices. Not only are these healthier than most desserts, but they’re also quicker to pull together.

Take ten minutes out of your day to whip up a plate of these delectable orange slices. They’re a great way to encourage your kids to eat their fruits and the dark chocolate tones down the sweetness.

36. Terry’s Chocolate Orange Mousse

Source: mymorningmocha.com

Terry’s Chocolate Orange is an iconic British sweet. It’s essentially an orange-shaped chocolate bar that features an orange filling, and it’s wildly popular in the UK.

If you’re a fan or if you’re curious, there’s no better way to indulge your curiosity than this mousse recipe.

It’s super easy to make, so keep it on the back burner for any important events you have on your calendar.

37. Orange White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Source: modernhoney.com

Mirroring the creamsicle combination from earlier in this list, these orange and white chocolate chip cookies are to die for! Soft and chewy, these golden brown cookies are heaven on a plate.

The secret to nailing these cookies is to make sure that you don’t overpower the whole palate with orange. This recipe makes nailing the combination a breeze, especially when you’re short on time.

38. Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

Source: addictedtodates.com

Not only is this a cheesecake featuring an iconic flavor combination, but it’s also a vegan cheesecake! How, you ask?

The secret is vegan cream cheese and vegan yogurt, both of which just make me happy for the wonders of modern science.

The flavors are brought to you by fresh oranges, cookies, and plenty of chocolate.

39. Chocolate Covered Oranges

Source: partylicious.net

Make your own homemade version of Terry’s Chocolate Oranges with this super simple snack. These take just thirty minutes to create, including the time it takes for the chocolate to harden.

Once again, this is a high-energy snack perfect for a day of activities. Get outdoors and let your kids run wild with these confections fuelling them. They’re great for beating midnight sugar cravings, too!

40. Chocolate Orange Fudge

Source: anaffairfromtheheart.com

If you’ve never made fudge before, this is a wonderful place to start. Fudge is the ultimate edible gift since it keeps so long and tastes so amazing. Plus, it’s dead easy to make in large quantities!

The smooth, silken texture of this homemade fudge will blow all other confections away. The balance of richness and sweetness is unbelievable, and it’s so easy to make it feels like cheating.

41. Orange Chocolate Chip Biscotti

Source: chefsavvy.com

Finally, we’re taking a little hint from Italy for our very last recipe. While these biscotti would make wonderful desserts, they would be just as good dunked into a cup of morning coffee.

Biscotti are fairly forgiving creatures, so this is an excellent recipe for the novice baker. Give them a crack and discover how well chocolate and orange pair together in a crunchy biscuit!

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