Orange Loaf Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate orange loaf cake recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This cake is moist, tender, bursting with fresh orange flavor, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced pro, this recipe is a must-try. The combination of fresh orange zest, juice, and a delightful orange glaze makes this cake irresistibly delicious.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through each step of making this perfect orange loaf cake, share baking tips, variations, and even answer some frequently asked questions. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to bake the most delightful orange cake!

Why You’ll Love This Orange Loaf Cake

• Moist and Tender – Thanks to a combination of butter, oil, and yogurt, this cake has the perfect texture.

• Easy to Make – No complicated steps, just mix, pour, and bake!

• Bursting with Citrus Flavor – Fresh orange zest and juice make every bite deliciously zesty.

• Versatile – Enjoy it plain, with a glaze, or even with a dollop of whipped cream.

• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for breakfast, tea time, or as a dessert.

Ingredients Needed

Before we dive into the method, let’s go over the key ingredients and why they matter.

For the Cake:

• Sugar (3/4 cup or 155g) – Adds sweetness and helps create a soft crumb.

• Orange Zest (1.5-2 tbsp) – The zest gives an intense citrus aroma and flavor.

• Melted Butter (1/4 cup or 55g) – Adds richness and enhances the flavor.

• Oil (1/4 cup or 55g) – Keeps the cake moist and soft.

• Eggs (2 medium) – Provide structure and stability.

• Fresh Orange Juice (2 tbsp or 30ml) – Enhances the orange flavor and adds moisture.

• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Balances the citrus flavor with a hint of warmth.

• Flour (1 cup + 2 tbsp or 140g) – The base ingredient for structure.

• Baking Powder (1/2 tbsp) – Ensures the cake rises properly.

• Salt (1/2 tsp) – Enhances all the flavors.

• Plain Yogurt (3 tbsp + 1 tsp or 50ml, room temperature) – Makes the cake tender and moist.

For the Orange Sugar Syrup:

• Orange Juice (3 tbsp) – Infuses more citrusy goodness.

• Sugar (2 tbsp) – Adds sweetness and creates a slight sheen on the cake.

For the Orange Icing:

• Icing Sugar (50g or more as needed) – The base for a smooth glaze.

• Heavy Cream (2 tbsp) – Adds creaminess and richness.

• Orange Juice (1 1/2 tbsp) – Enhances the orange flavor.

• Pinch of Salt – Balances the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line an 8-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick to the pan and comes out easily.

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Infuse the Sugar with Orange Zest

In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and orange zest. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar. This step releases the essential oils from the zest, making the cake even more fragrant.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

To the sugar mixture, add eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture turns pale and slightly fluffy.

Now, add:

• Melted butter

• Oil

• Plain yogurt

• Fresh orange juice

Whisk until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Make the Orange Sugar Syrup

While the cake is baking, prepare the orange sugar syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 3 tbsp orange juice and 2 tbsp sugar. Heat on low until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 7: Soak the Cake

Once the cake is out of the oven, pour the orange sugar syrup over it while it’s still warm. This step locks in moisture and enhances the orange flavor.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.

Step 8: Make the Orange Icing

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Icing sugar

• Heavy cream

• Orange juice

• A pinch of salt

The icing should be smooth and thick but pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more icing sugar if needed.

Step 9: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the orange icing over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing.

Baking Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure eggs and yogurt are at room temperature for even mixing.

• Don’t Overmix – Overmixing can make the cake tough instead of light and tender.

• Use Fresh Oranges – Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest give the best flavor.

• Line the Pan Properly – Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

• Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Variations and Customizations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations:

1. Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake

• Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.

• Sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter for a rich twist.

2. Nutty Orange Cake

• Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds for added crunch.

• Top the cake with toasted almonds before baking.

3. Spiced Orange Cake

• Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced version.

4. Orange Coconut Cake

• Replace yogurt with coconut milk.

• Fold in 1/2 cup shredded coconut for extra texture.

Serving Suggestions

This orange loaf cake pairs beautifully with:

• Tea or Coffee – A perfect treat for afternoon tea.

• Whipped Cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream enhances the flavors.

• Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve warm cake slices with a scoop of ice cream.

• Fresh Berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a fresh touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use Store-Bought Orange Juice?

Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but if using store-bought, go for one without added sugar.

2. How Long Does This Cake Last?

This cake stays fresh for 3 days at room temperature or 5-7 days in the fridge.

3. Can I Freeze Orange Loaf Cake?

Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

4. Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?

Yes, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.

Final Thoughts

This orange loaf cake is truly the only recipe you’ll ever need! It’s packed with fresh citrus flavor, has a wonderfully moist crumb, and is super easy to make. Whether you’re baking it for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, this cake is sure to impress.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your oranges, preheat your oven, and start baking! 🍊🍰

Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe! Happy baking!

Must try Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

Orange Loaf Cake Recipe

Orange Loaf Cake Recipe – Moist, tender, and full of citrus flavor! Easy to make with fresh orange zest, juice, and a delicious orange glaze.

Type: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: International

Keywords: Orange Loaf Cake Recipe, moist orange cake, citrus loaf cake, easy orange cake, orange pound cake

Recipe Yield: 1 loaf (8-inch)

Calories: Approximately 250 per slice (based on 10 slices)

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Recipe Ingredients:

• Sugar (3/4 cup or 155g) – Adds sweetness and helps create a soft crumb.
• Orange Zest (1.5-2 tbsp) – The zest gives an intense citrus aroma and flavor.
• Melted Butter (1/4 cup or 55g) – Adds richness and enhances the flavor.
• Oil (1/4 cup or 55g) – Keeps the cake moist and soft.
• Eggs (2 medium) – Provide structure and stability.
• Fresh Orange Juice (2 tbsp or 30ml) – Enhances the orange flavor and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Balances the citrus flavor with a hint of warmth.
• Flour (1 cup + 2 tbsp or 140g) – The base ingredient for structure.
• Baking Powder (1/2 tbsp) – Ensures the cake rises properly.
• Salt (1/2 tsp) – Enhances all the flavors.
• Plain Yogurt (3 tbsp + 1 tsp or 50ml, room temperature) – Makes the cake tender and moist.
• Orange Juice (3 tbsp) – Infuses more citrusy goodness.
• Sugar (2 tbsp) – Adds sweetness and creates a slight sheen on the cake.
• Icing Sugar (50g or more as needed) – The base for a smooth glaze.
• Heavy Cream (2 tbsp) – Adds creaminess and richness.
• Orange Juice (1 1/2 tbsp) – Enhances the orange flavor.
• Pinch of Salt – Balances the sweetness.

Recipe Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Ingredients:

Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line an 8-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick to the pan and comes out easily. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Infuse the Sugar with Orange Zest:

In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and orange zest. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar. This step releases the essential oils from the zest, making the cake even more fragrant.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients:

To the sugar mixture, add eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture turns pale and slightly fluffy. Now, add: Melted butter Oil Plain yogurt Fresh orange juice Whisk until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Slowly add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

Step 5: Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Make the Orange Sugar Syrup:

While the cake is baking, prepare the orange sugar syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 3 tbsp orange juice and 2 tbsp sugar. Heat on low until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 7: Soak the Cake:

Once the cake is out of the oven, pour the orange sugar syrup over it while it’s still warm. This step locks in moisture and enhances the orange flavor. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.

Step 8: Make the Orange Icing:

In a bowl, whisk together: Icing sugar Heavy cream Orange juice A pinch of salt The icing should be smooth and thick but pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more icing sugar if needed.

Step 9: Glaze the Cake:

Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the orange icing over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing.