I feel like in the world of citrus fruits, oranges often get overlooked in favor of lemons and limes. But they are absolutely fantastic in so many baked goods like this orange quick bread! This orange loaf needs to be added to your list of “must-bakes”, especially during the peak of citrus season. With its fresh, zesty flavors and simple ingredients, it’s an easy way to add a little sunshine to your kitchen. You get to use fresh, real ingredients like orange zest and juice, for that irresistible citrusy essence and trust me that your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible as a result. My orange loaf cake recipe is the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, with the moist, tender crumb that comes from combining ingredients like sour cream (for richness and a moist, close crumb) and fresh orange juice. Whether you’re making it for a cozy brunch or just need a delightful snack to share, this cake never disappoints. It’s an easy cake that delivers big on flavor, and it’s hard not to love a recipe that offers such perfect results every time. If you’re loving this, don’t miss out on my other amazing orange-flavored delights like The BEST Cranberry Orange Bread, Orange Glazed Carrot Cookies, Orange Jello Salad with Pudding Whipped Cream, Cranberry Orange Muffins, our favorite Knotted Orange Rolls.
Why We Love This Recipe
This cake is packed with fresh orange flavor thanks to the combination of both orange juice and zest, making every bite a burst of citrus goodness. It’s incredibly moist, thanks to the addition of sour cream, which keeps the cake tender and prevents it from drying out. This orange loaf cake is simple to make with everyday ingredients, and it’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted for different occasions or personal preferences.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Salted Butter – Provides richness and a tender crumb. If you only have unsalted butter, just add a pinch of extra salt. Eggs – Essential for structure and giving the cake that lovely, fluffy texture. Make sure they’re at room temperature for best results. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake perfectly and helps create a light, golden-brown crust. All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the cake, giving it the necessary structure. If you want a slightly lighter cake, you can sift the flour before using. Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise to the perfect height, giving it a light and airy texture. Salt – An important ingredient for making all the other flavors pop. Orange Zest & Juice – Brings that fresh, bright citrus flavor into every bite. Freshly squeezed juice is best for that natural sweetness. Sour Cream – Adds moisture and richness, keeping the cake extra soft. You can also substitute with plain yogurt for a similar result. Powdered Sugar – Just a dusting on top for a little extra sweetness and a pretty finish!
How to Make Delicious Orange Loaf Cake
Tips for Success
Always use room-temperature eggs and butter. This ensures that your ingredients blend smoothly, giving the cake a better texture. Don’t overmix the batter after adding the whipped egg whites. Gentle folding is key to keeping the cake light and airy. Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice just won’t have the same brightness. Be sure to preheat your oven and check it with an oven thermometer to ensure the cake bakes evenly and at the right temperature.
Substitutions and Variations
You can swap the butter for neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil if you’re looking for a slightly different texture and extra moisture. Blood oranges, lemons, limes, or even grapefruit can all be used in place of the oranges for this recipe. Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, offering the same tang and moisture to the cake. For a deeper flavor, you can substitute brown sugar for some or all of the granulated sugar, which adds a hint of caramel.
More Sweet Breads & Pound Cake Recipes
Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Passion Fruit Lemon Loaf Cake Lemon Blueberry Bread Peach Cobbler Pound Cake Easy Strawberry Bread Lemon Bundt Cake Sweet Rhubarb Bread Sour Cream Pound Cake
