Moist, fragrant, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor
Orange Loaf Cake is a timeless classic that brings brightness to any table. Soft and tender with a fine crumb, this cake is infused with fresh orange zest and juice, giving it a natural sweetness and irresistible aroma. It’s perfect for breakfast with coffee, afternoon tea, or a simple, elegant dessert.
What makes this loaf truly special is its balance—rich but light, sweet but fresh, and incredibly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Loaf
This recipe delivers consistent results with minimal effort. The oil (or butter) keeps the cake moist, while orange zest adds intense citrus flavor without bitterness. It’s also a fantastic base for a simple glaze or enjoyed plain.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup sugar
- Zest of 2 oranges
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons orange juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Flavor the Sugar
In a large bowl, rub orange zest into the sugar with your fingers until fragrant—this releases essential oils for maximum flavor.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients
Add eggs, oil, orange juice, and vanilla to the sugar. Whisk until smooth.
5. Combine
Add dry ingredients to wet and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Bake
Pour batter into pan and bake for 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Glaze (Optional)
Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm or cooled cake.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Orange Loaf
- Use fresh oranges—zest is key
- Don’t overmix to keep crumb tender
- Tent loosely with foil if top browns too fast
- Let cool before slicing for clean cuts
Easy Variations
- Chocolate-orange: Add chocolate chips
- Almond-orange: Replace ¼ cup flour with almond flour
- Yogurt loaf: Swap half the oil for yogurt
- Lemon-orange twist: Add lemon zest
Final Thoughts
Orange Loaf Cake is bright, moist, and comforting—a simple bake that feels special every time. Once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen 🍊✨