Upside Down Mimosa Orange Cake

This light and fluffy upside down mimosa orange cake is bright, citrusy, and soaked with just the right touch of champagne. It’s basically brunch in cake form and the kind of sunny, effortless showstopper that feels made for sharing at a summer gathering.

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Table of Contents

• A toast to citrus season
• Everything you need to make this recipe
• How to make this orange cake
• Servings and Pairings
• Storage recommendations
• Recipe FAQs
• Want more baking recipes?
• Upside Down Orange Mimosa Cake Recipe

Everything you need to make this recipe

The ingredient list is simple, but each one brings something special to the table. Together they create a cake that is light, fluffy, full of fresh orange flavor, and finished with the perfect hint of champagne. A little brunch inspired, a little nostalgic, and very hard to stop slicing into.

• butter + sugar + oranges: This is where the upside down magic happens. The butter and sugar bake into a glossy, caramel like layer that hugs each slice of orange and creates the prettiest topping once the cake is flipped.
• flour + baking powder + salt: The simple but essential foundation of the cake. The flour gives it structure, the baking powder helps create that soft and fluffy crumb, and the salt balances out all the sweetness.
• butter + sugar + egg whites + vanilla + orange zest + champagne: The ingredients that bring the cake to life. Egg whites keep it light and airy, orange zest adds that fresh citrus flavor, and champagne brings a subtle bubbly sweetness that makes every bite feel like a celebration.

Kitchen equipment needed:

• cutting board + chef’s knife
• mixing bowl + whisk
• stand mixer
• 9″ round cake pan

How to make this orange cake

This upside down mimosa orange cake looks impressive, but it comes together with a few simple steps. The hardest part is waiting for the big flip to reveal those glossy, caramelized oranges on top.

1. Prep the cake pan

Grease and line a 9 inch cake pan, then layer the melted butter, sugar, and orange slices on the bottom.

2. Mix the dry ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.

3. Beat the butter and sugar

Beat the butter and sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale in color.

4. Add the remaining wet ingredients

Mix in the egg whites one at a time, then add the vanilla and orange zest.

5. Add the dry ingredients and champagne

Alternate adding the flour mixture and champagne until the batter just comes together.

6. Bake the cake

Spread the batter over the oranges and bake until golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

7. Cool the cake

Let the cake cool slightly, carefully invert onto a plate, then slice and enjoy.

Servings and pairings

This upside down mimosa orange cake is bright, citrusy, and just the right amount of sweet. It feels special enough for a celebration but simple enough for a slow weekend morning when you want something a little extra.

• Weekend brunch – This cake was basically made for a brunch table. Serve it alongside fresh fruit, coffee, and a round of mimosas for the ultimate sunny spread.
• Summer gatherings – The glossy orange topping makes this cake a natural centerpiece. It’s easy to make ahead, beautiful to serve, and the kind of dessert everyone wants a slice of.

Drink pairings:

• Wine: Prosecco or champagne — The bubbles complement the citrus notes in the cake and keep each bite feeling light and fresh.
• Coffee: Vanilla latte — A cozy, creamy pairing that balances the bright orange flavor beautifully.
• Cocktail: Classic mimosa — When the cake is inspired by the drink, you might as well fully commit.
• NA option: Sparkling orange water — All the refreshing citrus and bubbles without the booze.

Storage recommendations

Room temperature: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The oranges will continue to soak into the cake, making each slice extra moist and flavorful.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let slices sit at room temperature before serving to bring back that soft, fluffy texture.

Want more baking recipes?

If pasta is your love language, you’re in the right place. Here are a few more recipes I reach for when I want something comforting, satisfying, and guaranteed to leave me scraping the bottom of the bowl.

If you make this, tag me on Pinterest or Instagram so I can see it — few things bring me more joy than scrolling through and spotting what you’ve cooked.

Questions? Comments? Reviews? Leave them below. This is the best way to reach me, and yes, I actually read them.

Xoxo, Lee

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