Hey there, baking buddy! Are you ready to brighten up your day with a little sunshine in the form of cake? Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s as vibrant as it is delicious, Deliciously Moist Orange Loaf Cake. If you’ve ever found yourself longing for something sweet, refreshing, and oh-so-satisfying, look no further. This orange loaf cake is here to take your taste buds on a joyful ride and fill your kitchen with delightful citrus scents. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this baking adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Orange Loaf Cake
You might wonder, what makes this orange loaf cake so special? Let me break it down for you! First and foremost, this cake is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the use of Greek yogurt and olive oil. Add to that the zesty orange flavor, and you have a cake that’s bursting with brightness, perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert!
Another thing you’ll love is how easy it is to make. With just a few simple ingredients, this cake comes together effortlessly. Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe doesn’t require fancy techniques. Plus, it’s a versatile cake that can be dressed up or enjoyed simply, making it suitable for any occasion.
So, gather your ingredients and let’s get baking, you won’t be able to resist this orange loaf!
Step-by-Step: Making Orange Loaf Cake
Now that you’re excited, let’s go through the steps to create this marvelous orange loaf cake!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful treat:
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup olive oil
- Icing sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk this mixture until smooth, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil, mixing well.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are okay!
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, dust with icing sugar before serving.
Best Ways to Serve Orange Loaf Cake
This luscious orange loaf cake is versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:
- Morning Treat: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or tea. The citrus notes are perfect for starting your day on a high note.
- Sweet Snack: Slice it up for an afternoon snack that will keep your energy levels up and your spirits higher.
- Dessert Delight: Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or slather on some whipped cream for a delightful dessert option.
- Brunch Hit: This cake can be a lovely addition to your brunch table, alongside fresh fruits and pastries.
Feel free to get creative with your presentations, at the end of the day, it’s all about enjoying a slice of happiness!
Storage Tips for Orange Loaf Cake
Once you’ve baked and enjoyed your orange loaf cake, you might wonder how to keep it fresh for longer. Here are some simple storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This will help keep it moist and fresh.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the cake for later enjoyment. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It should last for about 3 months in the freezer.
- Defrosting: To enjoy frozen slices, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
With proper storage, you can keep this divine orange loaf cake around, spreading joy for days to come!
Expert Tips for Perfect Orange Loaf Cake
As you embark on this baking journey, here are some expert tips to ensure your orange loaf cake turns out perfectly:
- Measure ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale if possible. This ensures more consistent results.
- Let the eggs come to room temperature: This helps the ingredients combine more easily, resulting in a fluffier texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just enough to combine the ingredients; overmixing can lead to a denser loaf.
- Know your oven: Oven temperatures can vary. Start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended bake time to avoid overbaking.
Delicious Variations of Orange Loaf Cake
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to customize your orange loaf cake, consider trying these delightful variations:
- Add nuts: Toss in some walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the moist cake.
- Dried cranberries: For a fruity twist, add some dried cranberries or blueberries to the batter.
- Glazed topping: Instead of just dusting icing sugar on top, whip up a simple glaze using powdered sugar and orange juice for an irresistible finish.
- Chocolate chips: For a decadent twist, fold in some dark chocolate chips before baking for a cake with a delightful contrast.
FAQs
1. Can I use skim or low-fat yogurt?
Yes, but keep in mind that full-fat yogurt contributes to the moistness of the cake. If using a lower-fat option, your cake might not be as tender.
2. Can I use a gluten-free flour blend?
Absolutely! A one-to-one gluten-free flour substitute should work. Just ensure you check the blend for rising agents, as some need additional help.
3. How do I know when my loaf cake is done?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, your cake needs a few more minutes.
And there you have it! Your guide to making a mouth-watering orange loaf cake that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. So, preheat that oven and let the magic begin!
Print
Deliciously Moist Orange Loaf Cake
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and moist orange loaf cake bursting with zesty flavor, perfect for any time of the day.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup olive oil
- Icing sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while mixing.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with icing sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg