There’s a special joy that comes from baking a truly exquisite cake, and this orange loaf cake delivers just that. Bursting with bright, vibrant citrus notes, it’s a celebration of fresh orange flavor in every tender bite. Thanks to a generous use of fresh orange juice and fragrant zest, complemented by a simple yet elegant orange glaze, this cake is more than just a dessert – it’s an experience. The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or advanced skills. All it takes is a single bowl, a whisk, and about 10 minutes of active preparation time to create this show-stopping treat.
This delightful orange loaf cake has always been my reliable go-to for unexpected guests or when I simply crave something comforting and elegant. It’s a perfect companion to a warm cup of coffee or tea, offering a refreshing citrus counterpoint to any beverage. While its simplicity is part of its charm, it can be dressed up with a delicate orange sugar glaze and perhaps some artfully arranged ribbons of whipped cream or fresh orange slices for an exceptionally elegant presentation. If you’re keen to explore more complex citrus profiles, you might enjoy this saffron-infused orange bundt cake for a truly exotic flavor adventure.
Why This Orange Loaf Cake Will Be Your New Favorite
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this particular orange cake recipe. It stands out not only for its incredible flavor but also for its remarkable ease of preparation:
- Effortless Baking: Forget about special equipment! This is truly a one-bowl wonder. All you need is a whisk and a large mixing bowl, making cleanup a breeze and the baking process entirely stress-free.
- Remarkably Moist Texture: The careful balance of ingredients, particularly the fresh orange juice and oil, ensures an incredibly moist crumb that stays fresh for days.
- Vibrant Citrus Flavor: By incorporating both fresh orange juice and zest directly into the batter, we infuse every bite with an authentic, bright, and invigorating orange taste that’s far superior to artificial flavors.
- Versatile Topping Options: While a simple orange glaze provides a beautiful sheen and extra sweetness, this cake is incredibly adaptable. You can finish it off with a blood orange glaze for a striking color, a dusting of powdered sugar for classic elegance, or a light cream cheese frosting for added richness.
- Beginner-Friendly: This recipe is designed for success. It’s a “dump and mix” kind of cake that consistently delivers outstanding results, even for novice bakers.
I’ve relied on this recipe for countless occasions, from casual family desserts to more formal gatherings, and it has never failed to impress. Its consistent moistness and delightful flavor are comparable to my beloved marble chocolate cake, another foolproof recipe.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Orange Cake
Crafting this luscious orange loaf cake starts with a selection of common pantry staples and, of course, fresh, vibrant oranges. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the cake’s signature flavor and moist texture.
For the Cake Batter:
- Fresh Oranges: The star of the show! You’ll need both the zest for intense aromatic flavor and freshly squeezed juice for moisture and tangy sweetness. Always zest your oranges before juicing them. Choose firm, heavy oranges with smooth, blemish-free skin for the best results.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsification with other ingredients.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its moistness.
- Oil: A neutral-flavored oil (like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil) is key for achieving the cake’s incredible moistness. Unlike butter, oil remains liquid at room temperature, keeping the cake tender and soft.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, comforting note that beautifully complements the citrus.
- All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component of the cake. Sifting it with baking powder ensures a light and airy texture.
- Baking Powder: The leavening agent that helps the cake rise, resulting in a tender crumb.
For the Simple Orange Glaze:
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Forms the base of the glaze, providing sweetness and a smooth texture. Sifting it is crucial to avoid lumps.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Thins the powdered sugar to a pourable consistency while amplifying the fresh orange flavor.
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You’ll find the full measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Adaptable Recipe: Endless Customization Options
One of the many delights of this orange cake recipe is its incredible versatility. It serves as a fantastic base for countless variations, allowing you to tailor it to your personal taste or the occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it truly your own!
- Elevate with Toppings: A simple orange glaze is classic, but consider other toppings. Crushed nuts like pistachios or almond slices add texture and a sophisticated touch. Fresh edible flowers in spring create a beautiful, whimsical look. Candied orange peel offers an intense citrus bite and a lovely chewiness, or simply dust with powdered sugar for understated elegance.
- Infuse with More Citrus: For a stunning visual and a slightly different flavor, swap some or all of the regular orange juice and zest for blood oranges. Their distinctive hue and sweet-tart flavor make for an exciting twist. You could even incorporate lime or lemon zest for a citrus medley.
- Add-Ins for Extra Delight: Mix in a handful of chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) with the batter before baking. The combination of chocolate and orange is always a winner, while nuts add a delightful crunch.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of ground cardamom, ginger, or even cinnamon can add warmth and depth, complementing the bright orange flavor beautifully.
Before You Begin: Essential Tools and Equipment
This recipe prides itself on its simplicity, requiring minimal special equipment. However, having a few basic kitchen tools on hand will make the baking process even smoother.
- 9×5-inch Loaf Pan: The ideal size for this recipe, ensuring a beautifully shaped loaf cake. Make sure to grease and flour it (or line with parchment paper) to prevent sticking.
- Large Mixing Bowls: One large bowl is truly all you need for mixing the batter, simplifying cleanup.
- Whisk: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly and incorporating air into the batter, ensuring a light texture.
- Rubber Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring all ingredients are well-incorporated.
- Zester or Microplane: For finely grating the orange zest, extracting maximum flavor without any bitter pith.
- Citrus Juicer: Makes quick work of extracting fresh orange juice.
- Wire Rack: Crucial for cooling the cake evenly and allowing the glaze to set properly.
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Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Your Orange Loaf Cake
Baking this orange loaf cake is incredibly straightforward, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps for a moist, flavorful, and perfectly baked treat. Remember, the detailed instructions with precise measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it, or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine Wet Ingredients & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, oil, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder directly over the wet ingredients in the bowl. This step is important to prevent lumps and ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Gently Mix Batter: Using your whisk, gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the smooth cake batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Thoroughly: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from becoming soggy and makes glazing easier.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and 2-4 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth and lump-free. Adjust the amount of orange juice to achieve your desired consistency – a thicker glaze will be more opaque, while a thinner one will be more translucent.
- Glaze and Garnish: Place the completely cooled cake on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (to catch any drips). Pour the glaze evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with fresh orange slices or additional orange zest.
Pro Baking Tips for a Super Moist Orange Loaf
Achieving the perfect moist and flavorful orange cake is easy with a few simple tricks. These notes, refined over years of baking this very recipe, will ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.
- The Secret to Ultimate Moistness: Oil vs. Sour Cream: While I initially used a combination of oil and sour cream (½ cup oil and ¼ cup sour cream) for an extra rich and moist texture, many bakers prefer not to use sour cream. For this reason, the current recipe uses only oil, which still yields an incredibly moist cake. If you have sour cream on hand and wish for an even richer crumb, feel free to substitute ¼ cup of the oil with ¼ cup of full-fat sour cream.
- Choosing the Right Oil: For a neutral flavor, canola or vegetable oil are excellent choices. I’ve recently experimented with avocado oil for a healthier alternative; it works wonderfully, though it can be a more economical choice. It’s important to avoid strong-flavored oils like extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil, as their distinct tastes can significantly alter the delicate orange flavor of the cake.
- Butter vs. Oil: You can certainly use melted butter instead of oil for a delicious cake. However, be aware that butter-based cakes tend to be slightly less moist and can dry out faster than oil-based cakes, especially after a day or two. If using butter, ensure it’s melted and cooled slightly before adding.
- Boosting Orange Flavor: If you desire an even more pronounced orange flavor, don’t hesitate to add an extra tablespoon or two of orange zest to the batter. The zest holds the most potent orange oils. Using freshly squeezed orange juice is always highly recommended over store-bought concentrated juice for the best flavor.
- Glaze Consistency is Key: The glaze in this recipe is designed to be a light syrup consistency, allowing it to soak into the cake slightly, enhancing moisture and flavor without being overly thick. If you prefer a more opaque and substantial glaze, simply double the amount of powdered sugar in the icing recipe and add orange juice gradually until you reach your desired thickness.
- Decorative Touches: While the cake is beautiful on its own, I sometimes add thin white ribbons of whipped cream or candied orange slices for visual appeal. These are purely optional but add a lovely touch for special occasions.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This orange loaf cake is not only delicious but also stores exceptionally well, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks or upcoming events.
- Countertop Storage: Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The oil-based recipe helps maintain its moistness.
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness, place the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 10 days. If you’ve opted for a cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is a must from the start.
- Freezing: This orange loaf cake freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply unwrap and let it come to room temperature on the counter. You can also slice the cake before freezing and thaw individual slices as needed for a quick treat.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Your Orange Cake
To truly elevate the experience of enjoying your homemade orange loaf cake, consider these delightful pairings that complement its vibrant citrus flavors beautifully.
- Luxurious Creams: A dollop of light and airy Chantilly cream (French whipped cream) adds a touch of luxury and a velvety texture that contrasts wonderfully with the cake’s zesty notes.
- Warm Beverages: Pair your slice with a soothing warm beverage. A cup of aromatic Karak tea offers a comforting spiced counterpoint, while a classic Milk tea provides a milder, creamy companion. Of course, a simple cup of black coffee or herbal tea is always a good choice.
- Refreshing Summer Treat: On a hot summer day, transform this loaf cake into a cooling dessert. Serve slices topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm cake and cold ice cream is simply irresistible.
- Fresh Fruit & Sauces: Garnish with additional fresh fruit like berries or orange segments for a burst of color and extra freshness. A decadent drizzle of Hot Fudge Sauce can also add a delightful richness and visual appeal, especially for chocolate lovers.
More Scrumptious Desserts to Try
If you adore the bright, fruity flavors of this orange cake, you’ll be thrilled to explore other cake recipes that bring their own unique charm and deliciousness to your table. These options are perfect for fruit lovers and those who enjoy light, flavorful desserts.
- For a delightful burst of fruity goodness, try a Lemon Poke Cake or a Raspberry Poke Cake. These cakes are infused with fruit flavors and often topped with luscious glazes or whipped cream.
- Revani (Ravani) Cake Recipe
- Jello Mold with Cream Cheese
- Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix
- Strawberry Shortcake Bundt Cake
This orange loaf cake is truly a dessert marvel – not overly sweet, fuss-free to make, and consistently delightful. It’s my ultimate quick bread recipe when unexpected guests arrive, always serving as a warm welcome. I sincerely hope you give this lovely recipe a try soon and let its sunny flavors brighten your day!
Orange Loaf Cake
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Ingredients
For the cake:
- 3 Eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (160g)
- ¾ cup oil (175ml)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (235ml)
- 1-2 Tablespoon orange zest
- 2 cups all purpose flour (270g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Icing:
- ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted (50g)
- 2-4 Tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
- In a large bowl, combine the eggs, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, oil, orange juice, and orange zest. Whisk thoroughly until well combined.
- Sift flour and baking powder over the wet ingredients.
- Whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just smooth. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into your prepared 9×5-inch loaf tin.
- Bake in the middle rack for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and 2-4 Tablespoons of orange juice until smooth and lump-free.
- Once the cake is completely cool, place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Pour the glaze evenly over the cake. Decorate with some fresh orange slices if desired.
Notes
- For an even richer and slightly denser cake, you can substitute ¼ cup of the oil with ¼ cup of full-fat sour cream. This adds extra moisture and a subtle tang.
- When choosing oil, neutral options like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil are best. Avoid strong-flavored oils such as extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil, as they will overpower the delicate orange flavor.
- While butter can be used instead of oil for a delicious cake, it may result in a slightly less moist texture that can dry out faster.
- Feel free to add an extra tablespoon or two of orange zest if you desire an even more intense orange flavor. Freshly squeezed orange juice is always recommended for superior taste.
- The provided glaze recipe yields a light, syrupy consistency designed to soak into the cake. For a thicker, more opaque glaze, simply double the amount of powdered sugar and adjust the orange juice as needed.
- Decorative elements like whipped cream ribbons or candied orange peels are optional but can enhance the cake’s visual appeal for special occasions.
- This cake stores exceptionally well: up to 3 days at room temperature, up to 10 days in the refrigerator, and can be frozen for up to 2 months. If using a cream cheese frosting, always refrigerate the cake.
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