Savor the delightful burst of citrus with this Luscious Dairy-Free Orange Loaf Cake, perfectly complemented by a zesty citrus glaze and a sprinkling of crunchy almond flakes. This cake is incredibly moist and flavorful, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. Infused with fresh orange juice and zest, every bite offers a refreshing taste of sunshine. The combination of dairy-free ingredients ensures that this cake is both inclusive and delicious, appealing to a wide range of dietary preferences.
Why You'll Love This: This orange loaf cake is a must-try for citrus enthusiasts. The use of soy milk and dairy-free butter provides a rich, moist texture, while the flax egg adds a boost of nutrition and binds the ingredients beautifully. The fresh orange juice and zest impart a vibrant, tangy flavor that is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the caster sugar. The final touch of a zesty orange glaze, enhanced with more orange zest and topped with crunchy almond flakes, makes this cake truly irresistible. It's an easy yet impressive dessert that will leave everyone asking for more.
Perfect Occasion: This orange loaf cake is perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with a homemade treat. Serve it at brunch, afternoon tea, or as a delightful dessert at dinner parties. It's also great for festive occasions like birthdays or holidays, offering a refreshing alternative to heavier cakes. The bright citrus flavor makes it an excellent choice for spring and summer gatherings, but it’s equally delightful all year round.
Decoration Tips: To enhance the presentation, sprinkle extra orange zest over the glaze for a pop of color and additional flavor. You can also add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Serve the cake on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh orange slices or edible flowers to make it look even more inviting. For a final flourish, consider arranging the almond flakes in a neat pattern on top of the glaze.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 270g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 220g caster sugar
- 120g dairy-free butter
- 145ml soy milk
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, set aside for 10 minutes)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Juice from 1 orange
- Zest from 1 orange
For the Glaze:
- 100g icing sugar
- 3 tbsp orange juice
- Zest from 1 orange
- Almond flakes, optional
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and line a loaf tin with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, add the caster sugar and orange zest. Rub the zest into the sugar to release the oils and enhance the flavor. Add this mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In a small saucepan, combine the dairy-free butter and soy milk. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter has completely melted.
- Pour the melted butter and milk mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Combine and Mix:
- Add the flax egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice to the mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake:
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, combine the icing sugar and orange juice. Gradually add the orange juice while stirring until you achieve a thick, pourable consistency.
- Stir in the orange zest.
- Glaze and Decorate:
- Once the cake has cooled, pour the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Sprinkle with almond flakes and additional orange zest if desired.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve the cake immediately, enjoying its fresh citrus flavor and delightful texture.
Enjoy this luscious dairy-free orange loaf cake with a zesty citrus glaze and crunchy almond topping, a perfect treat for any occasion that will surely impress your guests and delight your taste buds!
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