Orange Loaf Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s both simple to make and bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This Orange Loaf Cake is one of my all-time favorites. The moist texture and vibrant orange taste make it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing breakfast for your family, a snack for the kids after school, or a sweet ending to a dinner party, this cake will surely impress.

What makes this recipe special is how easy it is to whip up. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can have a delicious loaf baking away in your oven in no time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to brighten up even the busiest of weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering cake ready to enjoy.
• Family-Friendly Delight: Kids love the sweet citrus flavor, making it a great choice for family gatherings or after-school snacks.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This cake keeps well, so you can bake it in advance and have it on hand for busy days.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as a breakfast item, dessert, or even with your afternoon tea!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients that will come together beautifully in this Orange Loaf Cake. No fancy items here—just good stuff that you might already have in your pantry!

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt (*see note)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup olive oil (or vegetable or canola oil)
• icing sugar (for dusting)

Variations

This Orange Loaf Cake recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures based on what you have at home.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Citrus Twist: Substitute half of the orange juice with lemon juice for a zesty lemon-orange flavor.
• Fruit Enhancements: Mix in some dried cranberries or blueberries for added sweetness and color.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour if needed.

How to Make Orange Loaf Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because starting with a hot oven helps your cake rise perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan. This ensures that when your cake is baked to perfection, it will slide out smoothly without sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until smooth before adding olive oil. The yogurt creates moisture while keeping the cake light!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gently add the dry mixture into your wet mixture. Stir until just combined—be careful not to over-mix! Over-mixing can lead to dense bread instead of fluffy goodness.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 50-55 minutes until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, let your cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling time allows the flavors to settle beautifully!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Dust with icing sugar if you’d like an extra touch of sweetness before serving. Slice up this delicious Orange Loaf Cake and enjoy each delightful bite!

Pro Tips for Making Orange Loaf Cake

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure your orange loaf cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh oranges: Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest significantly enhance the flavor of your cake compared to bottled alternatives. The vibrant taste of fresh oranges will really shine through in your loaf.
• Don’t over-mix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps create a tender crumb. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake, which we want to avoid for that light and airy texture.
• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the stated baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• Cool properly: Allowing your cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack prevents it from becoming soggy. This step helps maintain its lovely texture.
• Experiment with flavors: While this recipe highlights orange, feel free to incorporate other citrus zests like lemon or lime for an exciting twist on flavor!

How to Serve Orange Loaf Cake

Serving your orange loaf cake can be just as enjoyable as baking it! With some thoughtful presentation and pairing, you can turn this simple treat into an extraordinary experience.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Orange slices: Thinly sliced oranges not only look beautiful but also complement the citrus flavor of the cake.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream, which adds richness and balances the tartness of the orange.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet loaf cake and is perfect for breakfast or dessert.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering Greek yogurt with granola and berries creates a creamy, crunchy side that pairs well with the moistness of the loaf.
• Tea or herbal infusions: Serve alongside your favorite tea or herbal infusion for a cozy afternoon snack. Citrus-infused teas complement the flavors beautifully.
• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide an interesting savory contrast to the sweet cake, making for an elegant presentation at gatherings.

Enjoy sharing this delicious orange loaf cake with family and friends! It’s sure to brighten up any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Orange Loaf Cake is perfect for meal prep! Its delightful flavor and moist texture make it a fantastic option to bake in advance, ensuring you have a sweet treat ready to enjoy at any time.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating; it can last up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the cake to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• If desired, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm individual slices on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Orange Loaf Cake:

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for Orange Loaf Cake?

Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour. This will give your cake a nuttier flavor and boost its nutritional content without sacrificing too much moisture.

Is there a way to make Orange Loaf Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Just ensure that the blend you choose is suitable for baking.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Orange Loaf Cake?

Adding more orange zest or incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile. You might also consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for added texture!

What makes this Orange Loaf Cake so moist?

The combination of Greek yogurt and olive oil contributes to its incredible moisture while keeping it light and fluffy. This cake is sure to be a hit!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about baking this Orange Loaf Cake as I am! Its vibrant flavor and moist texture make it truly special, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as an afternoon snack with your favorite coffee. Enjoy every slice, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with family and friends. Happy baking!