This moist and delicious orange pound cake is bursting with fresh orange flavor and is incredibly easy to make! With a tender crumb and a bright citrus taste from freshly squeezed orange juice and zest, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea in the afternoon or as a light dessert after dinner, this cake will impress with its vibrant orange aroma and soft, buttery texture. The simple glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness and zing, making this cake a must-try for citrus lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: You’ll love this orange pound cake for its perfect balance of sweetness and tangy orange flavor. The use of fresh orange juice and zest gives it an authentic citrus kick, while the buttery base ensures the cake stays wonderfully moist. It’s also highly adaptable—you can substitute the oranges with lemons or limes, or even replace the butter with vegetable oil for a lighter option. This cake is quick to make, and its rich, bright flavor makes it ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to more festive celebrations.
Perfect Occasion: This orange pound cake is ideal for a variety of occasions, from weekend brunches to family gatherings. Its bright flavor and soft texture make it perfect for spring and summer celebrations, while its comforting sweetness ensures it’s equally enjoyable in cooler months. Whether served with coffee or tea or as a light dessert, this cake will be a crowd-pleaser. It’s also a great choice for those looking for an easy yet impressive homemade treat to share with friends and family.
Decoration Tips: To decorate your orange pound cake, drizzle it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice for a tangy finish. You can also zest some additional orange peel over the top for extra flavor and color. If you want to make it even more special, garnish with thin slices of candied orange or sprinkle with a little powdered sugar before serving. For a rustic look, serve the cake on a wooden board or a pretty plate with a few sprigs of mint or fresh citrus slices on the side.
Ingredients:
- 200 grams butter (or 170 ml vegetable oil)
- 300 grams sugar
- Zest of 2-3 oranges
- 80 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- 5 eggs
- 230 grams all-purpose flour
- 8 grams baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Melt the butter and let it cool to room temperature.
- Zest 2-3 oranges and rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers to release the oils and enhance the flavor.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the sugar and eggs. Beat for about 1 minute until light and frothy.
- Gradually add the melted butter (or oil) and continue beating. Then, add the freshly squeezed orange juice.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Grease and flour a 26-28 cm loaf pan, then pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Glaze:
- 300 grams powdered sugar
- Juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon
Instructions for the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, gradually mix the powdered sugar with the lemon juice until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
Enjoy your moist and flavorful orange pound cake, perfect for any occasion!
