Bright, citrusy, and irresistibly moist, this Homemade Fresh Orange juice Loaf Cake is my ultimate comfort bake whenever I crave a sunburst of flavor. With every bite, delicate orange zest meets a luscious, tangy crumb that’s both uplifting and satisfying. Each ingredient plays a sweet symphony: golden butter, real orange juice, and a simple glaze all come together to make a loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, teatime, or a crowd-pleasing dessert—especially when you want to treat yourself or someone you adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, many of which are likely in your kitchen already! Each plays a vital role: flour gives structure, sugar sweetens and helps the loaf be tender, citrus adds brightness, and the butter delivers that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture every great loaf cake should have.
- All-purpose flour – 1½ cups: Gives the loaf its tender crumb and supports all that juice and zest.
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup (200g): Sweetens and helps keep the cake moist while balancing the citrus tang.
- Baking powder – 1½ teaspoons: Offers a beautiful rise and irresistible lightness.
- Salt – a small pinch: Just a hint heightens all the flavors and cuts through sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, melted – ½ cup (115g): Makes every bite rich and soft—melted for the silkiest crumb.
- Eggs – 2 large: Bind everything together while making the loaf airy and tender.
- Fresh orange juice – ½ cup (120ml): The star ingredient, infusing lively citrus flavor throughout.
- Orange zest – 1 tablespoon (from 1–2 oranges): Packed with fragrant oils for a zesty punch in every morsel.
- Whole milk or yogurt – ¼ cup (60ml): Adds extra moisture and a subtle tang, enhancing the cake’s tenderness.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon: Rounds out flavors, making the cake feel warm and familiar.
- Icing sugar – 1 cup (120g), for glaze: Mixes with juice for that dreamy, drippy finish on top.
- Fresh orange juice – 2–3 tablespoons, for glaze: More juicy citrus to tie the whole experience together.
- Extra zest – a pinch (optional, for glaze): Sprinkled on top for extra color and flavor, if you like things fancy.
How to Make Homemade Fresh Orange juice Loaf Cake
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and that tiny but mighty pinch of salt. Stir them gently with a whisk or fork to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This sets the stage for a loaf with perfectly balanced flavor and the ideal texture—soft, but not crumbly.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your melted unsalted butter and eggs until glossy and fully combined. Then pour in the fresh orange juice, and let the citrus scent perk up your senses. Add the vibrant orange zest, followed by the milk (or yogurt) and vanilla extract, then whisk again. The result should be smooth, sunny, and incredibly aromatic.
Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold everything together. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as you see no more streaks of flour. The batter will be thick, creamy, and rich with citrusy fragrance, promising a moist cake after baking.
Step 4: Bake the Loaf
Line a loaf tin with parchment paper or grease it well. Pour in the batter and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of freshly squeezed oranges.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
While the loaf cools slightly in its tin, whisk together icing sugar and 2–3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice in a bowl. Add more juice for a thinner glaze, or a little less for a thicker one. If you want to impress, throw in a pinch of extra zest for a pop of color and zing.
Step 6: Glaze and Enjoy
Once the loaf is just warm, drizzle the glaze liberally over the top, letting it drip deliciously down the sides. The icing will melt a little, seep in, and set to a lovely sheen as the cake cools. Cut the first slice and savor how the Homemade Fresh Orange juice Loaf Cake looks as stunning as it tastes!
How to Serve Homemade Fresh Orange juice Loaf Cake
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect finish, sprinkle extra orange zest over the glazed loaf. You can also add a few candied orange slices or edible flowers for a festive touch. These little flourishes make the Homemade Fresh Orange juice Loaf Cake feel truly special every time you serve it.
Side Dishes
Pair a thick slice with clotted cream, a dollop of vanilla yogurt, or fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. If you’re in the mood, a hot cup of earl grey or chamomile tea is bliss alongside the cake, balancing its sweet citrus with gentle herbal notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the loaf into petite finger slices for a dainty afternoon tea, or cube it for a trifle layered with whipped cream and berries. For brunch, serve the Homemade Fresh Orange juice Loaf Cake slightly warm, topped with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey—friends and family will swoon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake well-wrapped at room temperature for two days, or in the fridge for up to four days. The loaf stays moist (thank you, juice and yogurt), and the glaze retains its glossy charm—just cover it to prevent drying out.
Freezing
If you’d like to make the Homemade Fresh Orange juice Loaf Cake ahead, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap (either whole or sliced), then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving; the citrus flavor remains beautifully bright even after freezing.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven feeling, gently warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. The glaze softens just enough, and the loaf tastes freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I make this cake with bottled orange juice?
Fresh juice is best for the highest flavor and aroma, but in a pinch, you can use good-quality bottled juice—just ensure it’s not from concentrate and has no added sugar or preservatives.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (one that substitutes cup-for-cup is ideal). The loaf may be slightly more delicate, but still deliciously moist and zesty.
Do I need to use yogurt, or can I use just milk?
Either works beautifully—yogurt adds extra tang and tenderness, while milk keeps things simple and classic. Use what you have on hand for this Homemade Fresh Orange juice Loaf Cake.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! You can easily double all ingredients and bake in two loaf tins, or in a bundt pan for a celebratory orange cake. Just increase the baking time as needed and check for doneness with a skewer.
How do I keep the cake extra moist?
Don’t overmix the batter, and measure your flour carefully—too much can make things dense. Also, be sure not to overbake! The orange glaze helps lock in moisture, so drizzle generously.
Final Thoughts
If you love fresh citrus and easy-to-make sweets, you owe it to yourself to try this Homemade Fresh Orange juice Loaf Cake. I hope it brings a little sunshine to your kitchen and smiles to your table—happy baking, and don’t forget to share a slice with someone you love!