Introduction
The Orange Loaf Cake is a citrusy treat that brings sunshine to your plate. Its refreshing flavor, paired with a moist texture, makes it perfect for brunch, teatime, or as a dessert. This delightful cake combines the sweetness of oranges with a tender crumb that’s easy to make and hard to resist. Let’s dive into the recipe for this vibrant, citrus-packed loaf!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1/2 cup (120ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
Directions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Eggs and Zest: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest for a burst of citrus aroma.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the orange juice, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Everything: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.
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