This recipe of orange loaf cake is soft, moist and full of rich flavour in every bite. It comes together with simple ingredients and bakes into a tender crumb that feels light yet satisfying. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes makes the whole experience even better.
Why you will love this recipe?
If you love soft, fresh and citrusy desserts, then this recipe of orange loaf cake is truly for you. It has the most tender, melt in your mouth crumb that stays moist for days. The flavour comes from real oranges, so every bite tastes bright and refreshing without being overly sweet.
Expert Tips for Best results!
- Rub the zest into the sugar slowly – This simple step releases the natural oils from the orange zest and gives your cake a deeper, more vibrant flavour.
- Make sure the yogurt is at room temperature – Cold yogurt can make the batter lumpy and heavy. When it’s room temperature, it blends in smoothly and keeps the loaf light and tender.
- Add the dry ingredients in small portions – This helps you avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
- Pour the syrup while the cake is still hot – This helps the bread soak up the syrup evenly, giving you a moist and flavourful loaf from edge to centre. It also adds a gentle shine to the top.
- Cool completely before adding icing – If you pour it while the cake is warm, the icing will melt into the loaf. Waiting ensures a smooth glaze that sits beautifully on top.
How to make Orange loaf Cake?
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan
First, preheat your oven to 170°C and line an 8-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. This ensures the cake comes out easily and maintains its shape.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and set aside. This prepares your dry base so you can fold it in smoothly later.
Step 3: Infuse Sugar with Orange Zest
Next, combine the sugar and orange zest. Rub them together with your fingers until the sugar becomes fragrant and slightly orange. This releases the natural oils and gives the cake a bright, fresh citrus flavour.
Step 4: Whisk Eggs and Vanilla
Then, add the eggs and vanilla to the orange sugar. Whisk until the mixture is pale and slightly thick. This step adds air and lightness, which helps create a tender crumb.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, pour in the melted butter, oil, yogurt, and fresh orange juice. Mix gently until smooth and fully combined. Using room temperature yogurt helps the batter stay even and soft.
Step 6: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix slowly and only until no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and moist.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Next, pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles for an even texture.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45–60 minutes. Start checking at 45 minutes with a toothpick. The cake is done when the toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, leaving the centre soft and fluffy.
Step 9: Make and Pour Syrup
While the cake bakes, prepare the orange syrup by combining sugar and orange juice in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Once the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour the warm syrup over the hot loaf to infuse extra flavour and moisture.
Step 10: Cool and Ice
Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan for 15–20 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, whisk the icing sugar, cream, orange juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and thick. Pour the icing over the cooled cake for a glossy, flavourful finish.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, slice and serve your melt-in-your-mouth orange loaf. Each bite is tender, moist, and bursting with fresh citrus flavour, making it the perfect treat for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use only butter instead of oil?
You can, but the cake will be slightly less moist. The butter and oil combination gives the perfect texture.
Why is my cake dense?
The batter may have been overmixed or the ingredients were too cold. Mix gently and make sure everything is at room temperature.
How do I store the cake?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for two to three days. It stays moist because of the yogurt and syrup.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes. Wrap slices well and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
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Recipe Card
Recipe Orange Loaf Cake
This orange loaf cake is soft, moist, and bursting with fresh citrus flavour. The tender crumb melts in your mouth, while the sweet orange syrup and glossy icing add extra brightness and indulgence. It’s easy to make, perfect for tea time, and loved by everyone.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sugar (155g)
- 1.5-2 tbsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup melted butter (55g)
- 1/4 cup oil (55g)
- 2 medium eggs
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice (30ml)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp flour (140g)
- 1/2 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3tbsp + 1tsp plain room temperature yogurt (50ml)
For Orange sugar syrup
- 3 tbsp orange juice
- 2 tbsp sugar
For Orange Icing
- 50g icing sugar (or more if required)
- 2 tbsp cream
- 1 1/2 tbsp orange juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170°C and line an 8-inch loaf pan with parchment paper so the cake comes out easily after baking.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt, then set this bowl aside so it’s ready to add later.
- In another bowl, add the sugar and orange zest. Rub them together between your fingers until the sugar becomes fragrant and slightly orange. This helps release all the natural oils from the zest.
- Add the eggs and vanilla to the orange sugar. Whisk until the mixture turns pale and slightly thick, which helps create a lighter cake texture.
- Now pour in the melted butter, oil, yogurt and fresh orange juice. Whisk gently until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients gradually into the wet mixture. Mix slowly and only until the flour disappears. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake soft and fluffy.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smooth out the top and tap the pan once or twice on the counter to remove large air bubbles.
- Bake at 170°C for about 45–60 minutes. Start checking at the 45-minute mark. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Meanwhile, make the orange syrup by mixing the orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar melts completely.
- When the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour the warm orange syrup evenly over the top. Let the cake sit in the pan for 15–20 minutes so it absorbs all the flavour.
- Once slightly cooled, remove the cake from the pan and place it on a rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the orange icing by whisking the icing sugar, cream, orange juice and a pinch of salt until smooth and thick. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Once the cake has fully cooled, pour the icing over the top and let it set before slicing.
Awesome recipe! Very tasty. Light, fresh and heavenly flavor profiles.
Thankyou so much aparna! If you can, please leave a star rating! 💕💕