Moist Orange Loaf Cake
Moist Orange Loaf Cake is a delicious and citrusy treat that brightens up any occasion. With its soft texture and refreshing orange flavor, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a dessert after dinner, this loaf cake is simple to make and hard to resist.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this Moist Orange Loaf Cake because it’s easy to prepare and requires basic ingredients that you likely already have at home. The bright orange flavor adds a fresh twist that makes this cake a standout. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family, or for enjoying all by yourself. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this cake fits any time of day!
How to Make Moist Orange Loaf Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup whole milk or plain yogurt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (optional for glaze)
- 2-3 tbsp fresh orange juice (optional for glaze)
- Fresh orange slices (for topping)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until everything is smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan.
- (Optional) In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice to create a glaze. Pour it over the cooled cake.
- Garnish with fresh orange slices and a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve Moist Orange Loaf Cake
Serve the Moist Orange Loaf Cake slices plain, or add a drizzle of the optional glaze for extra sweetness. A slice with coffee or tea makes for a delightful afternoon snack. You can also enjoy it as a light dessert after dinner, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
How to Store Moist Orange Loaf Cake
To store your Moist Orange Loaf Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it, where it will stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it before serving.
Tips to Make Moist Orange Loaf Cake
- Be sure to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can make the cake dry.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting away.
- If you want a subtle flavor boost, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
Variation
For a twist on the classic recipe, you can add poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful crunch. Alternatively, you can substitute lemon juice and zest in place of orange for a zesty Lemon Loaf Cake.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just store it properly in plastic wrap or a container to keep it fresh.
2. Can I use another citrus juice?
Absolutely! Lemon or grapefruit juice would work well as a substitute if you want a different flavor.
3. How can I make the cake sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can increase the granulated sugar in the batter or make the optional glaze sweeter by adding more powdered sugar.
Enjoy baking your Moist Orange Loaf Cake! It’s simple and delicious.
