Have you ever craved something sweet, citrusy, and utterly delightful? Something that feels like sunshine on a plate? Well, you’re in luck! Today, we’re diving into the world of Orange Loaf Cake —a treat so moist, flavorful, and easy to make that it’ll quickly become your go-to dessert (or breakfast… no judgment here). Whether you’re baking for yourself or looking to impress at your next gathering, this recipe has got you covered.
Let’s get started, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Orange Loaf Cake Recipe
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let me tell you why this cake is worth every second of your time. Imagine biting into a slice of cake so tender it practically melts in your mouth. Now picture that same slice bursting with fresh orange flavor, topped with a glossy sweet glaze that drips down the sides like liquid gold. Sounds dreamy, right? Here’s what makes this recipe a winner:
- Simple Ingredients : No need to raid the pantry for exotic spices or fancy flours. You probably already have most of these staples at home.
- No Mixer Required : Yep, you read that right. All you need is a whisk and some elbow grease.
- Perfect for Any Occasion : From lazy Sunday brunches to holiday spreads, this orange loaf fits seamlessly into any menu.
- Bright and Uplifting Flavor : There’s just something about the zesty aroma of oranges that makes everything feel lighter and happier.
So, are you ready to bake a little sunshine?
What You’ll Need to Make This Magic Happen
Let’s talk ingredients. For this Sheet Pan Cake variation, you’ll want to gather the following:
For the Loaf:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature works best!)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil if you prefer)
- 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- ⅓ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Pro Tip : Fresh orange zest is key here. It adds an extra punch of citrusy goodness that store-bought alternatives just can’t match. Trust me—it’s worth the effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now comes the fun part: putting it all together. Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through each step so even beginner bakers can nail this recipe.
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a standard tin loaf pan , give it a light coating of non-stick spray, and set it aside. If you don’t have a loaf pan, fear not—a cake sheet will work too, though the baking time may vary slightly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you tackle the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, whisk the eggs, Greek yogurt, sugar, melted oil, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. Take a moment to inhale that heavenly citrus scent—it’s almost therapeutic, isn’t it?
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until fully combined. Remember, overmixing is the enemy of tender cakes, so stop as soon as everything looks uniform.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). The smell wafting through your kitchen at this point? Pure magic.
Step 6: Add the Sweet Glaze
Once the cake has cooled completely, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest. Drizzle it generously over the loaf and let it set for a few minutes before slicing.
And voilà—you’ve just created a masterpiece!
Recipe Tips for Success
Want to take your Orange Loaf Cake to the next level? Here are a few insider tips:
- Zest Like a Pro : Use a microplane grater for fine, fragrant zest without any bitter pith.
- Don’t Rush Cooling : Letting the cake cool ensures the glaze sets properly instead of sliding off.
- Customize It : Feeling adventurous? Try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut to the batter for a fun twist.
Ways to Enjoy This Citrus Delight
This versatile cake works wonders in multiple settings:
- Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy dessert.
- Pair it with coffee or tea for a refreshing afternoon snack.
- Gift it to friends and family—they’ll be begging for the recipe!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Cherry Snowball Cookies
- Grasshopper Pie
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix
- Copycat Olive Garden Salad
- Sausage Pancake Muffins
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling a golden-brown Cake Poke or loaf out of the oven, especially when it smells like fresh oranges. With its bright flavors, simple preparation, and crowd-pleasing appeal, this Orange Loaf Cake is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So go ahead—grab those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bake something beautiful today.
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out! To show off your creation, leave a comment or tag @foodiecreator on Instagram and #foodiecreator.
Orange Loaf Cake: Bright, Moist, and Bursting with Citrus Flavor
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs room temperature works best!
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil if you prefer
- 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- ⅓ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- Pro Tip : Fresh orange zest is key here. It adds an extra punch of citrusy goodness that store-bought alternatives just can’t match. Trust me—it’s worth the effort!
Instructions
- Now comes the fun part: putting it all together. Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through each step so even beginner bakers can nail this recipe.
- Prep Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a standard tin loaf pan , give it a light coating of non-stick spray, and set it aside. If you don’t have a loaf pan, fear not—a cake sheet will work too, though the baking time may vary slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you tackle the wet ingredients.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, whisk the eggs, Greek yogurt, sugar, melted oil, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. Take a moment to inhale that heavenly citrus scent—it’s almost therapeutic, isn’t it?
- Bring It All Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until fully combined. Remember, overmixing is the enemy of tender cakes, so stop as soon as everything looks uniform.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). The smell wafting through your kitchen at this point? Pure magic.
- Add the Sweet Glaze: Once the cake has cooled completely, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest. Drizzle it generously over the loaf and let it set for a few minutes before slicing.
- And voilà—you’ve just created a masterpiece!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- For best results, use fresh orange zest and juice to enhance the citrus flavor.
- Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or more orange juice for thinning.
