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This Mini Orange Oatmeal Cake is a small, tender cake made with oats simmered in orange juice for bright citrus flavor in every bite. It comes together quickly with simple ingredients and bakes into a soft, moist cake that’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or a light dessert.

a slice of orange oatmeal cake on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bright Citrus Flavor: This mini orange oatmeal cake is filled with fresh orange notes and a soft, tender crumb, making it a wonderful choice for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert.
  • Easy to Make: With simple steps and basic ingredients, this cake comes together quickly and bakes in about 30 minutes.
  • Wholesome Ingredients: Rolled oats and orange juice create a naturally flavorful base without needing anything complicated or hard to find.
  • Versatile: Enjoy it warm from the oven, add a light glaze, or top it with yogurt or whipped cream for a different finish.
  • Perfect Size: This small cake is just the right amount for one or two people, giving you a freshly baked treat without extra portions.

I love this mini orange oatmeal cake because it brings together two ingredients I use often, orange juice and hearty rolled oats. Cooking the oats in orange juice gives the cake a bright citrus taste that feels special without adding extra steps.

It’s the kind of small cake I make when I want something simple, comforting, and homemade. If you enjoy easy single serving desserts with fresh ingredients and a soft, tender crumb, this little cake is one you’ll want to bake again and again.

If you like small cake recipes like this one, try our mini grapefruit cake, mini spice cake, small apple cake, small pound cake, small banana upside down cake, moist mini carrot cake, and small blueberry cake recipe.

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Ingredients

ingredients needed for orange breakfast cake.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this mini oatmeal cake recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

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How To Make An Small Orange Oatmeal Cake

See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

Start by simmering old fashioned rolled oats in orange juice. This step softens the oats and adds bright citrus flavor. Cook the mixture in a small saucepan until the oats are tender, then set it aside to cool.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking soda. In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, and vanilla.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the cooled orange oatmeal until the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into a 5×5-inch baking dish.

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

a small orange oatmeal cake in a square baking dish.

Expert Tips

  • Choosing the Right Baking Dish: A 5×5 inch dish works well, but any dish with a similar surface area is fine. A 4×6 inch dish will give you the same results.
  • Muffin or Ramekin Options: This batter is flexible. You can bake two muffins in a standard muffin pan or divide the batter between two 10-ounce oven safe ramekins for smaller cakes.
  • Measure Flour Correctly: For the best texture, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Scooping directly from the bag packs the flour and can make the cake dense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

No. Quick oats soften too quickly and will change the texture of the cake. Old fashioned rolled oats give the best structure and flavor.

How do I know when the orange oatmeal cake is done?

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

How should I store leftover orange oat cake?

f you have some cake left, cover it and keep it at room temperature for up to one day, or refrigerate it for up to three days. Enjoy it as is or warm it briefly in the microwave.

Can I double this small cake recipe?

Yes, double the ingredient amounts and bake in either two 5×5-inch baking dishes or one 6×8-inch baking dish.

More Mini Breakfast Cakes And Muffin Recipes

If you enjoy this Mini Orange Oatmeal Cake, you might also like our other easy single serving breakfast cakes and muffins. They’re simple to make and great for a morning or midday treat.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

If you’ve tried this mini orange oat breakfast cake or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!


Cooking For One Made Easy
Because you’re worth it

Mini Orange Oatmeal Cake

4.8 from 25 votes
By: Joanie Zisk
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
This Mini Orange Oatmeal Cake is a small, tender cake made with rolled oats simmered in orange juice for bright citrus flavor. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it bakes into a soft, moist cake perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert.
Save this Recipe!
Get this recipe sent to your inbox, plus get FREE weekly recipes.

Equipment

Ingredients 
 

  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup old fashioned oats
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter -melted
  • 1 large egg
  • teaspoon vanilla extract
  • powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions 

  • Heat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).
  • In a 1-quart saucepan, bring the orange juice to a simmer and stir in the oats.
  • Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats soften.
  • Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, and baking soda.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
  • Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then fold in the cooled oatmeal. Pour the batter into a lightly buttered 5×5 inch baking dish.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool on a wire rack.
  • Dust with powdered sugar if you like.

Notes

  • Choosing the Right Baking Dish: A 5×5 inch dish works well, but any dish with a similar surface area is fine. A 4×6 inch dish will give you the same results.
  • Muffin or Ramekin Options: This batter is flexible. You can bake two muffins in a standard muffin pan or divide the batter between two 10-ounce oven safe ramekins for smaller cakes.
  • Measure Flour Correctly: For the best texture, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Scooping directly from the bag packs the flour and can make the cake dense.
 
If doubling the recipe, bake in either two 5×5-inch baking dishes or one 6×8-inch baking dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 206kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 61mg, Sodium: 205mg, Potassium: 114mg, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 305IU, Vitamin C: 15.5mg, Calcium: 13mg, Iron: 1.2mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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I’m Joanie, chef, author of The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook, and creator of One Dish Kitchen. With 10+ years of experience developing single serving and small batch recipes, I’m passionate about making cooking for one simple and enjoyable. So glad you’re here!

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4.84 from 25 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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40 Comments

  1. Suz S says:

    I added a handful of dried cranberries to the batter and oh my! It turned out heavenly and quite seasonal. These will be my on Thanksgiving breakfast menu later this week along with your cheesy baked eggs. Several of your Thanksgiving recipes will be used to make dinner for my mother, my aunt, and me, as well.

  2. GmaMick says:

    I made these as muffins and added a few chocolate chips – because I like chocolate and orange. I love the chewiness the oatmeal gives the muffins but I would add orange zest next time I make them to give them more orange flavor. Very good.

  3. Shroog says:

    I tried the same recipe and as she told, it’s a mini cake. so I ended up with very small portion. I recommend double the quantity. the taste is very good and I like adding oats to make it more healthy 🙂

  4. Pam S. says:

    I made this yesterday. I doubled the recipe, and ended up with 6 muffins and one small cake. I made an orange glaze for the cake. I love the texture, just wish there was a little more orange flavor. Next time maybe I’ll add some orange zest.

  5. Nancy M Saxon says:

    I’ve made this several times. Soooo good. Easy. And the aroma while baking!! Yummy!

  6. Kayla Hubenig says:

    Didn’t have old fashioned oats so I used 3 min. oats. Followed the instructions and the recipe turned out fine. Also I did add some zest from orange.

  7. Joan says:

    Has anyone made this with vegan substitutes , ie. Flax egg , or applesauce or vegan butter for the butter ?

  8. Phyllis Newhall says:

    Re. Orange pound cake. Do you grease the pan? Thanks. LOVE the book

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Yes, lightly butter or grease the baking dish.

  9. Patricia Gibbs says:

    How much is ur cookbook? Love all ur recipes on Facebook

  10. Linda says:

    All your recipes are fantastic, it is good to have recipes for one person since I am now by myself, since my husband passed 4 months ago .

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      I’m so sorry for your loss, Linda and I’m glad the recipes are helpful.