There’s a reason citrus desserts stand out. They’re vibrant, aromatic, and leave your taste buds dancing. And when citrus meets cake? Magic. The orange loaf cake with citrus glaze is a humble, no-fuss treat that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for brunch, looking for a tea-time delight, or just want to sweeten your weekend, this cake fits every craving.
This recipe brings together a buttery crumb, a tangy glaze, and the natural zing of real oranges. It’s light enough for breakfast, sweet enough for dessert, and easy enough to become a weekly tradition in your kitchen. And best of all, it doesn’t require any rare ingredients or chef-level skills—just a bowl, a spoon, and a few fresh oranges.
From beginner bakers to seasoned pros, everyone will appreciate this loaf’s soft texture, bold citrus notes, and simple preparation. Let’s dive into how to make it, tweak it, store it, and share it.
🍰 Why You’ll Love This Orange Loaf Cake
- Naturally flavored with real orange juice and zest
- Perfectly moist and rich without feeling heavy
- Quick to make—under 15 minutes prep
- Minimal cleanup, single-pan recipe
- Customizable with variations like lemon, poppy seeds, or almond
- Freezer-friendly for batch baking
- Beautiful presentation with a glossy glaze on top
📋 Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything here is easy to find and probably already in your kitchen:
🧁 Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour – for a stable, soft crumb
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – gives rise and fluff
- ½ teaspoon salt – enhances the citrus and sweetness
🧈 Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) – adds richness and flavor
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – perfectly sweet without overpowering
- 2 large eggs – binds and gives structure
- 1 tablespoon orange zest – aromatic and full of essential oils
- ½ cup fresh orange juice – juicy, tangy depth
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – warm background note
- ½ cup milk (whole milk preferred) – smooths and lightens the batter
🍊 For the Glaze
- ¾ cup powdered sugar – melts into a silky glaze
- 1–2 tablespoons orange juice – for bold, fresh citrus flavor
🧑🍳 Tools Required
No need to shop for anything special:
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Zester or fine grater
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
🔪 How to Make Orange Loaf Cake – Step by Step
1. Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan and line it with parchment for easier lifting and cleaner edges.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until pale, creamy, and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 minutes with an electric mixer.
4. Add Eggs and Flavor
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing at this point.
5. Alternate Adding Liquids and Dry Mix
Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the orange juice-milk combo. Start and end with dry. Mix gently to avoid overworking the batter, which can toughen the loaf.
6. Bake
Pour into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 50–55 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Glaze
Mix the powdered sugar with orange juice until you get a smooth drizzle. Pour over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Serve slices warm with tea or coffee.
- Add fresh berries or whipped cream for a summer dessert.
- Toast leftovers and spread with honey butter for a breakfast twist.
- Pair with vanilla yogurt and nuts for a parfait-style snack.
💡 Expert Tips for a Perfect Loaf
- Use fresh orange zest and juice. Bottled juice lacks the vibrancy and aroma.
- Don’t overmix. Stir just until combined to keep the cake tender.
- Room temperature ingredients blend better and create a smoother batter.
- Test with a toothpick. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s done.
- Glaze only after the cake is fully cool to prevent melting or sliding.
🧠 Creative Variations to Try
This loaf is a perfect canvas for flavor creativity. Try these tweaks:
🍋 Lemon Loaf
Swap orange juice and zest for lemon for a brighter, sharper twist.
🍫 Orange Chocolate
Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a dessert-style loaf.
🌰 Almond-Orange
Use almond extract instead of vanilla and top with sliced almonds.
🥥 Coconut Citrus
Add ¼ cup shredded coconut to the batter and glaze with coconut milk and orange juice.
🍓 Berry Burst
Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries or raspberries.
📦 How to Store It
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Avoid direct sunlight or heat.
Refrigerator
Wrap well and refrigerate for up to 7 days. Let slices come to room temp before serving for best texture.
Freezer
Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and foil. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave gently.
⏱ Make-Ahead Options
This cake is even better the next day, as the flavors deepen and the glaze settles into the loaf.
- Bake 1–2 days ahead
- Glaze the same day you serve
- Freeze in advance and reheat slices as needed
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use bottled orange juice?
You can, but fresh juice and zest deliver much stronger, brighter flavor. Bottled juice tends to be flat or overly sweet.
What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
You can use a cake pan or muffin tin, but baking time will vary. Check for doneness earlier.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute plant-based butter and any unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy.
Is this recipe good for kids?
Absolutely. It’s sweet, soft, and free from artificial additives. You can even reduce the sugar slightly if you like.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum. Brands like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill work well.
🧾 Nutrition Information (Per Slice – approx.)
- Calories: 275
- Fat: 11g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Note: Nutrition varies slightly based on ingredients and glaze thickness.
🧡 Final Thoughts: A Loaf You’ll Bake Again and Again
The beauty of this orange loaf cake lies in its simplicity and versatility. It doesn’t require a holiday, a party, or a special event—it’s the kind of recipe that becomes part of your regular rotation because it’s just that good. From its soft crumb and fragrant orange notes to the sweet glaze on top, each slice is a little reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.
It’s nostalgic but fresh, easy yet elegant, and light enough to enjoy any time of day.
So the next time you’re wondering what to bake that’s easy, satisfying, and just a little special, let this orange loaf cake be your answer.
