Dessert

Southern Orange Slice Cake with Dates Recipe

Name: Southern Orange Slice Cake with Dates Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 11 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened, plus extra for the pan; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, at room temperature; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting the pan; 1 pound pitted dates, chopped (choose soft and plump dates); 1 pound candy orange slices, chopped; 2 cups chopped pecans; 1 1/3 cups shredded coconut; 1 cup orange juice; 2 cups powdered sugar

Byanna orden October 20, 2026October 20, 2026

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Introduction

This Southern Orange Slice Cake is a delightful treat bursting with rich, fruity, and nutty flavors. Perfect for special gatherings, it becomes even more flavorful after resting for a day, making it a wonderful make-ahead dessert.

A round, tall, bundt-style cake sits on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has one thick layer with a glossy, golden brown icing covering the entire top and sides. The inside is light yellow with evenly scattered dark brown and reddish bits, showing a dense texture with small crumb pieces. A wedge has been cut out from the cake, revealing the moist interior clearly. The background is softly blurred with some green plant leaves in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened, plus extra for the pan (2 sticks)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting the pan
1 pound pitted dates, chopped (choose soft and plump dates)
1 pound candy orange slices, chopped
2 cups chopped pecans
1 1/3 cups shredded coconut
For the orange glaze:
1 cup orange juice
2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 250°F. Butter a 10-inch tube pan thoroughly and dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 4 to 8 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. In a small bowl, stir the baking soda into the buttermilk, then mix this into the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, toss the flour with chopped dates, candy orange slices, and pecans until all are evenly coated.
Step 5: Add the flour mixture and shredded coconut to the batter. Stir gently by hand with a wooden spoon until combined.
Step 6: Press the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 2½ to 3 hours, checking at around 2 hours by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when done.
Step 7: Near the end of baking, whisk together the orange juice and powdered sugar in a bowl to make the glaze.
Step 8: While the cake is still hot, pour the glaze over it so it soaks in deeply. Let the cake cool completely in the pan overnight before carefully turning out and slicing.
Step 9: For best flavor, allow the cake to rest for at least 24 hours before serving. This resting period enhances the rich flavors.

Tips & Variations

Use soft, plump dates for the best texture and sweetness.
For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and add extra chopped dates or coconut.
Leftover glaze can be stored separately and drizzled over individual slices before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. The glaze seeps into the cake, so reheating is not necessary, but warming slightly in a low oven can make it feel freshly baked.

How to Serve

A round bundt cake with a golden brown glaze covers the whole top and sides, giving it a shiny look. The cake is cut into two thick slices revealing a soft, light beige inside with visible dark raisins and small orange bits evenly spread throughout. The smooth glaze contrasts with the textured inside. The cake sits on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, and the background is softly blurred with a hint of green from a plant. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh orange slices instead of candy orange slices?

Candy orange slices add a sweet, chewy texture and concentrated orange flavor that fresh slices don’t provide. Fresh slices could add moisture but may alter the texture and sweetness of the cake.

Is it necessary to let the cake rest for 24 hours?

Resting the cake for at least 24 hours allows the flavors to meld and the texture to improve, resulting in a richer, more harmonious taste. However, you can serve it sooner if needed, though the flavor will be less developed.