37 Zesty Recipes for Orange Desserts

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is from my Aunt Martha, who passed away recently at the age of 94. She found ways to substitute the water in almost any cake recipe with vodka or rum. She left this recipe for Harvey Wallbanger Cake taped to her kitchen cabinet and it’s quickly become one of my family’s favorite orange desserts. —Lynda Szczepanik, Highland Park, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: I make these citrusy cookies for parties and special occasions, and we always get to eat the ones that don't come out perfectly. Eventually I had to start making extra "mistakes" to keep my family happy! —Myrrh Wertz, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: A delightful orange frosting is the secret to this cake from Kathleen Gingras of Thorold, Ontario. "It is great with a scoop of ice cream," she suggests.

From the Recipe Creator: I never had blood oranges until I moved to California. The season is short, so I use them in everything while I can get them. That sweet orange flavor with some brown sugar is a perfect combination. Whenever I have something to go to, my friends demand that I bring this orange dessert. —Pamela Butkowski, Hermosa Beach, California

From the Recipe Creator: These soft and sweet twists have a long shelf life. You can make a number of flavor variations with this recipe, including lemon, cherry and almond. I sometimes add a confectioners’ sugar glaze. —Raine Gottess, Lantana, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: The holiday version of tiramisu trades the amaretto and coffee notes of the traditional dessert for the bright, seasonal flavors of cranberries and orange. The combination of orange liqueur and Marsala wine make this a delicious and potent meal-ender. —Jerry Gulley, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: This three-layer sunset cake is pretty enough for company, but it’s so simple to make that you’ll find yourself baking it often. A boxed mix keeps it convenient while the fruity filling makes it a crowd-pleaser. —Kara De la Vega, Suisun City, California

From the Recipe Creator: Orange zest and juice give this ice cream a bright orange flavor. The summer treat is soft and easy to scoop. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: I used cranberries for decorations in a wedding, then challenged myself to find a way to use up the surplus. This pretty, super moist cake with cranberries in the batter and sometimes, sugared ones on top, was the result! —S. Jade Klope, Paducah, Kentucky

From the Recipe Creator: Orange desserts don’t need to be just orange. This beautiful cheesecake also uses lemon and lime to create a triple-layer treat that’s worth the effort. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: A basic angel food cake becomes a heavenly indulgence, thanks to a hint of orange flavor swirled into every bite. The orange color makes slices of the cake look so pretty when arranged on individual dessert plates.—Lauren Osborne, Holtwood, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: Old-fashioned divinity candy is even yummier with a hint of refreshing orange zest and bits of crunchy pistachios. Store-bought versions just can’t compare! —Lorri Reinhardt, Big Bend, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Cornmeal adds a rustic quality to this delicate dessert flavored with citrus and almond. It’s sure to be a staple in your recipe collection and also makes a great holiday party hostess gift. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

From the Recipe Creator: I come from a big Italian family. When I was growing up, my mom cooked and baked many delicious meals and desserts from scratch. Now I do the same for my family. This cake is my finale to our special-occasion dinners. —Cathy Banks, Encinitas, California

From the Recipe Creator: For a lower-fat alternative to pops filled with ice cream, try this citrus novelty. The tangy orange flavor will make your taste buds tingle, while the silky smooth texture offers cool comfort. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: I send these chocolate orange cookies to family and friends in other areas of the country. The two-tone treats deliver a citrusy taste of the Sunshine State. —Geordyth Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: Citrus, cinnamon and smoky chipotle peppers make my version of this flaky, sweet pastry so unique. It's really rich, so a little goes a long way. —Christine Neary, Portland, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: This wonderful pistachio cookie recipe is fun to make and everyone will be impressed with how pretty the green coloring is. They're one of my favorite holiday cookies. —Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: At the summer tourist resort my husband and I operate in Ontario, we prepare all the meals for our guests, so I'm always trying out new recipes. —Sheree Swistun, Winnipeg, Manitoba

From the Recipe Creator: This flavorful fruit was actually the topping in a cake recipe. But I didn't want all the calories or fat from the cake—and the oranges are a good dessert all by themselves! The dash of vanilla extract brings out the fruit's sweetness. —Carol Poindexter, Norridge, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: A shiny, mirrorlike orange glaze covers a chocolate mousse cake to create a delicious showstopping dessert your guests will be talking about for weeks to come.—Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Add a splash of little sunshine to your cookie jar with this recipe. When I want to spread some cheer, I'll bake up a double batch to share. —Ruth Gladstone, Brunswick, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: This frosty orange pie is so easy to make. I have tried lemonade, mango and pineapple juice concentrates instead of orange, and my family loves each one. —Marie Przepierski, Erie, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: These tender cookies are pretty to look at—and the combination of cream cheese, orange, chocolate and almonds makes them almost irresistible. —Linda Call, Falun, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: I have to give my husband credit for this idea—since we love chocolate and orange together, he suggested I come up with this recipe. Now they're not only his favorite, but also the whole family's. I'm always asked to bake these brownies for family gatherings. —Elinor Townsend, North Grafton, Massachusetts

From the Recipe Creator: This tender spritz cookie recipe is quite eye-catching on my Christmas cookie tray. The dough is easy to work with, so it's fun to make these spritz cookies into a variety of festive shapes. This is hands-down the best spritz cookie recipe ever. —Beverly Launius, Sandwich, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: My grandmother made luscious fruit pies and cobblers using blackberries from her garden. I decided to follow her lead and create a blackberry cake that's always lovely with a summer meal. —Lisa M. Varner, El Paso, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: At least two generations of my family have enjoyed the recipe for these light, delicate orange-flavored cookies. —Sheri DeBolt, Huntington, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: This cake bakes up tender and light with a subtle orange taste. It tastes rich but is comparatively low in saturated fat. Serve the cake as is, or dress it up with a dollop of whipped cream and strawberries or raspberries. It is wonderful warm, but the flavor improves as it sits, so make it a day or two before you plan to serve it. Store the cake at room temperature. —Leigh Rys, Herndon, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: This decadent treat doesn't last long at our house. The Creamsicle flavor of this soft fudge brings on the smiles. Bright orange and marshmallow swirls make it a perfect takealong for events and get-togethers. —Diane Wampler, Morristown, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: The aroma of orange zest hints at how heavenly this delicate cheesecake tastes. Gingersnap cookie crumbs make a distinctive crust, while glazed orange slices become a blossomlike topping. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: This is one of my favorite cakes. It’s moist and light yet so satisfying. I’ve been adapting it for years and now it’s almost guilt-free. —Pam Sjolund, Columbia, South Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: Each Christmas I teach myself a new candy recipe. Last year I started with my caramel recipe and added a splash of orange extract for fun. This year I just might try buttered rum extract. —Shelly Bevington-Fisher, Hermiston, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: I make this showstopper for many occasions, slightly changing—or adding—ingredients. I sometimes add toasted coconut between the layers. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: I usually make these bite-sized orange cookies at Christmastime, when Florida citrus is plentiful, but they're delicious any time of year. Every time I sniff their wonderful aroma, I remember my grandmother, who shared the recipe. —Lori DiPietro, New Port Richey, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: These light citrus cookies go so well with a cup of coffee or tea after a heavy holiday meal. —JoAnn Belack, Bradenton, Florida