Delightful Orange Loaf Cake Recipe: A Burst of Citrus Bliss

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
5. Add Orange Juice and Zest: Mix in the freshly squeezed orange juice and the orange zest. The batter may look slightly curdled, but that’s okay.
6. Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the batter in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 2: Bake the Loaf

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
3. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Orange Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more orange juice, a teaspoon at a time.
2. Once the loaf has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve the Orange Loaf Cake slices as they are or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for the Perfect Orange Loaf Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients to blend better and gives the cake a more consistent texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.
• Freshly Squeezed Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest. It makes a big difference in the overall taste and aroma of the cake.
• Let It Cool Completely: Allow the loaf to cool completely before adding the glaze. This helps the glaze to set properly without melting off the cake.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Orange Loaf: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful chocolate and orange combination.
• Nutty Twist: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Lemon-Orange Twist: Use a combination of lemon and orange zest for a zesty twist on the classic orange flavor.