Tea time or coffee time by default means a nice homemade treat in my house- whether it’s cookies, muffins, or a slice of loaf cake. While other bakes are sweet and rich, they are sometimes just too heavy, especially if I have already had my breakfast. But this orange loaf cake that I baked the other day? Turned out to be the best- light, buttery, and full of fresh orange flavor that only gets better with every bite!
Does this orange loaf cake use any special ingredients to make it lighter?
Not really! It’s what actually this cake doesn’t use that makes the difference- no heaps of butter or heavy cream like many loaf cakes do. Instead, it uses yogurt and vegetable oil to keep the crumbs soft, moist, and perfectly light!
There’s something truly special about freshly squeezed fruit juice– the orange flavor makes the cake feel bright and refreshing. Paired with a beautiful, glossy orange glaze that seeps into the crumbs, it gives the cake a stunning look when poured over the top.
The finishing touch? You can add a sprinkle of fresh orange zest that brings a vibrant look and a bright, orangey aroma that fills the house with happy vibes whenever you bake this cake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light enough to enjoy anytime.
- Fresh citrus flavor from real orange zest and juice.
- Balanced sugar to keep it sweet, but not overwhelming.
- Glossy orange glaze to add extra flavor and moisture.
- Stays fresh for days without drying out.
Must-Try Variations Of This Moist Orange Loaf Cake
Want more than just orange in your loaf cake? Well, there’s plenty of tasty variations to try– each one just as tempting as the original!
Orange Honey Loaf
Want a healthier twist? Swap some of the sugar with honey for a toned-down sweetness and a lovely, warm flavor!
Orange Cream Cheese Swirl
Add a generous swirl of sweetened cream cheese into the batter for a stunning marbled pattern and extra creamy layer.
Chocolate Drizzle Orange Loaf
Baking for your kids? Pour warm melted chocolate over the glaze for an irresistible chocolatey finish that brightens up every slice!
Four-Seasons Fruit Loaf
Create a four-seasons fruit loaf cake with a colorful mix of fruits- cranberries, apricots, raisins, and walnuts alongside fresh orange zest and juice. This cake captures the essence of every season and delights with every flavorful bite.
Coconut Orange Loaf
Enjoy a tropical madness by adding shredded coconut to the batter and topping it with a creamy coconut glaze.
Orange Pistachio Loaf
Want a nutty crunch? Sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top for extra texture and a pop of color.
Tips For Baking The Perfect Orange Loaf Cake
First time baking an orange loaf cake? Don’t worry, I have got you covered with these easy tips to help you bake it perfectly every time:
- Shave off the outer layer of the orange to get the zest before squeezing the fresh juice.
- After sifting in the dry ingredients, avoid overmixing as that can make the cake tough and dense.
- Do NOT apply the orange glaze too soon- pour it only when the cake has cooled completely to ensure it sets properly.
- Want more flavor? Add a pinch of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to perfectly complement the citrus notes.
- If the orange glaze turns out to be too runny, add a bit of powdered sugar to reach the desired thickness.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas For Orange Loaf Cake
Need a slice of orange loaf cake to complete your breakfast? Or looking for a fresh idea to impress your guests? Either way, I have got some pretty great serving ideas for you:
Whipped Cream & Fresh Mint
Serve a slice of orange loaf cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh mint leaves for a refreshing, simple finish.
Fruit Mix-Up
Don’t serve your orange cake solo- pair it with other fruity favorites like raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, mango, and pineapple for a colorful, tasty combo!
Cake Pops
Turn your loaf cake into fun cake pops by adding colorful sticks and dipping them in orange-flavored chocolate for a festive treat.
Ice Cream Combo
Serve warm loaf cake slices with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream and a drizzle of honey for a delicious dessert.
Chocolate Dip
Serve your warm orange loaf cake with two delicious dips- melted white chocolate and dark chocolate- for a perfect flavor contrast! Simply dip each slice into the creamy, melted chocolate for a rich and delicious pairing.
Super Moist Orange Loaf Cake
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 & ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- ½ tsp Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tbsp Orange Zest
- 3 large Eggs
- ½ cup Orange Juice
- ¾ cup Yogurt
- ½ cup Vegetable/Neutral Oil
- 1 tsp Vanilla Essence
Orange Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tbsp Orange Zest
- 2-3 tbsp Fresh Orange Juice (about ½ Orange)
For Decoration
- 1 tbsp Orange Zest
Instructions
Prepare The Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar with the orange zest.
- Using a spatula, rub the zest with sugar to release the citrus oil.
- Add vegetable oil and yogurt to the sugar-zest mixture.
- Crack the eggs one by one and stir in vanilla essence.
- Pour in the freshly squeezed orange juice and whisk together until combined.
Sift Dry Ingredients
- Place a fine mesh strainer over the bowl and add all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Sift the dry ingredients by gently shaking the strainer until everything passes through.
- Using a spatula, gently fold until the batter is smooth and no dry flour remains.
Bake and Cool The Cake
- Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius, for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Transfer the cake to a wire rack and cool completely.
Prepare The Orange Glaze
- In a small mixing bowl, add powdered sugar and orange zest.
- Pour in the freshly squeezed orange juice and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
Pour, Garnish, and Serve!
- Pour the orange glaze evenly over the cooled loaf cake and garnish with orange zest.
- Let the glaze set, then slice into pieces. Enjoy a delicious creamy orange loaf cake with bright citrus flavor in every bite!
Oh, how I love the silky orange glaze dripping down the sides of a freshly baked loaf cake! As I slide this cake into the oven and it begins to rise, the fruity citrus aroma starts filling my home, making it smell like a cozy bakery at a little countryside cafe.
The kids love it so much, and the best part is, I don’t hesitate to hand them the second slice as it’s packed with vitamin C and natural fruit goodness. It’s a treat that feels special but is still healthy- perfect for moms with toddlers who want to keep the snack time fun and guilt-free!
Recipe FAQs
What Can I Use Instead Of Yogurt In This Recipe?
The yogurt in this recipe is used to keep the loaf cake soft and moist. You can use sour cream or buttermilk as substitutes for a similar texture and flavor.
How Long Does The Orange Loaf Cake Stay Fresh?
The orange loaf cake stays fresh for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Why Didn’t My Orange Loaf Cake Rise Properly?
It may happen due to overmixing the batter, old baking powder or incorrect oven temperature. Mix gently, preheat the oven to the correct temperature and use fresh ingredients for a perfect rise.
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