There’s something undeniably delightful about Orange Pound Cake, a classic treat that brightens any table. With its buttery texture and zesty flavor, this loaf is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations or even just enjoying a slice with your morning coffee. The vibrant orange zest and juice infuse each bite with a refreshing essence, making this cake a beloved favorite for many.
Why We Love This Orange Pound Cake Recipe
This Orange Pound Cake recipe is cherished for its simplicity and incredible flavor. It brings a taste of sunshine to your baking routine, allowing you to enjoy the sweet, citrusy goodness any time of the year. The rich buttery base paired with the bright notes of orange creates a harmonious blend that’s hard to resist. Plus, this cake is versatile; you can serve it as a dessert or a snack, and it pairs perfectly with a variety of beverages.
Ingredients about Orange Pound Cake
To create the perfect Orange Pound Cake, you will need the following:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 230 grams (1 cup or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 200 grams (1 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- Zest of 3 large oranges
- 280 grams (2 cups) plain flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) full-fat or whole milk, room temperature
- 45 ml (3 tablespoons) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 70 grams (1/3 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar (for syrup)
- 3 tablespoons icing sugar or powdered sugar, sifted
- 2-3 teaspoons fresh orange juice (for icing)
How to Make Orange Pound Cake Directions
Begin your Orange Pound Cake by prepping your ingredients and tools. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grab a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan, grease it well, and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of your cake after baking.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and sugar together using an electric mixer. You want to mix these until they are creamy and light. Once this mixture reaches a fluffy texture, incorporate the eggs one at a time. Mixing continuously ensures each egg is thoroughly blended into the batter. Don’t forget to add the zest of the three oranges at this point, as it brings the cake to life with its fragrant aroma.
Next, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into your mixture. Blend these dry ingredients gently until just combined. As you do this, gradually pour in the milk. The key here is to keep the batter smooth and homogeneous, avoiding over-mixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
Once your ingredients are mixed, carefully pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on it and perform a skewer test towards the end; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
When your Orange Pound Cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After this, move it to a wire rack to cool completely. While it cools, prepare a syrup by combining the freshly squeezed orange juice with the sugar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat. Brush this syrup generously over the cake as it cools; it will seep into the loaf, adding moisture and enhancing the orange flavor.
Optionally, mix icing sugar with a few teaspoons of orange juice to create a light glaze. Drizzle this over your cooled cake right before serving to add a touch of sweetness and elegance.
How to Serve Orange Pound Cake
Serving your Orange Pound Cake can be a delightful experience. You can slice it thick for a hearty treat or cut it thinner for a light snack. It’s perfect for afternoon tea or a picnic, offering a wonderful complement to aromatic teas and fresh juices. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert option. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruits, such as berries or slices of citrus, to enhance the flavors further.
For a more festive presentation, garnish your cake with some orange zest or candied orange peel on top. This not only adds a pop of color but also emphasizes the delicious orange profile of the cake. Whether you enjoy it plain or with toppings, it’s sure to impress your guests or make your day just a little bit brighter.
Expert Tips: Orange Pound Cake
To make your Orange Pound Cake a standout, consider these expert tips. First, always use room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and butter. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures the cake rises beautifully.
Make sure to use freshly squeezed orange juice rather than bottled for the best flavor. The natural oils and fragrance in fresh oranges make a remarkable difference in taste. Similarly, when it comes to zesting, choose organic oranges to avoid any wax or pesticides that can affect the flavor.
While mixing, be careful not to overwork the batter. This is a common mistake that can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined and aim to retain the airy texture. It’s also essential to monitor the baking time closely. Ovens can vary, so check your cake a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid overbaking.
Lastly, this cake is beautifully moist and can dry out if not stored correctly. Consider these storage tips to keep it fresh longer.
How to Store Orange Pound Cake
Storing your Orange Pound Cake properly ensures that it remains moist and flavorful. Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will keep it from drying out.
If you think you won’t finish the cake within a few days, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature, and if desired, warm it gently in the oven for a few minutes to enhance its texture.
Variation of Orange Pound Cake
While the traditional Orange Pound Cake is wonderful as it is, you can also experiment with variations to keep things exciting. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Glazed Orange Pound Cake: Add a lemon or lime glaze to your orange cake for a citrus medley. Simply replace some of the orange juice with freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice in your glaze recipe for a delightful twist.
- Nutty Addition: Consider folding in chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans into the batter for added texture and richness. This can create a lovely contrast to the softness of the cake.
- Chocolate Chip Orange Pound Cake: For a decadent variation, try adding semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the batter. The combination of chocolate and orange is heavenly and sure to please everyone.
- Berry Infusion: Mix in fresh blueberries or raspberries for bursts of flavor. The tartness of the berries pairs beautifully with the sweet orange, creating a more complex flavor profile.
- Orange Yogurt Pound Cake: Substitute part of the butter with plain yogurt for a lighter cake. This version will still be rich in flavor but has a slightly different texture and can be a bit healthier.
Each variation adds its unique touch, allowing you to customize your Orange Pound Cake according to your taste and occasion.
FAQ
What is an Orange Pound Cake?
An Orange Pound Cake is a moist and flavorful cake made with butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and fresh oranges. It’s known for its rich texture and zesty taste, making it a delightful dessert or snack.
How do I prevent my Orange Pound Cake from drying out?
To keep your cake moist, ensure you’re not overbaking it. Additionally, wrap it well in plastic wrap after it cools to maintain its moisture. For longer storage, freeze the cake.
Can I substitute other citrus fruits for oranges?
Yes, you can use lemons, limes, or grapefruits instead of oranges. Just adjust the amount of juice and zest according to the fruit’s intensity for the best result.
How can I make my Orange Pound Cake more flavorful?
Using fresh orange juice and zest will significantly improve the flavor. You can also add a bit of vanilla extract or almond extract for more depth.
Is Orange Pound Cake suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! Orange Pound Cake is versatile and can be dressed up with icing or served plain. It’s perfect for weddings, birthdays, or holiday gatherings.
Orange Pound Cake
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 230 grams unsalted butter, softened Use room temperature for best results.
- 200 grams caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- Zest of 3 large oranges Use organic for best flavor.
- 280 grams plain flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 120 ml full-fat or whole milk, room temperature
- 45 ml freshly squeezed orange juice Use fresh juice for best flavor.
Syrup and Icing
- 70 grams caster sugar or granulated sugar (for syrup)
- 3 tablespoons icing sugar or powdered sugar, sifted
- 2-3 teaspoons fresh orange juice (for icing)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and sugar together until creamy and light.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add the zest of the oranges.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently blend until just combined, then gradually pour in the milk.
- Carefully pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin.
Baking
- Bake the cake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, checking with a skewer towards the end. It should come out clean when done.
Cooling and Syrup
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the syrup by combining the freshly squeezed orange juice and sugar in a saucepan over low heat until dissolved. Brush the syrup over the cake as it cools.
Icing
- Mix icing sugar with orange juice to create a glaze and drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.
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