The Ultimate Zesty Orange Pound Cake Recipe for Sweet Citrus Lovers

Crafting a mouthwatering zesty orange pound cake challenges even seasoned bakers with its delicate balance of flavors.

Citrus notes dance through each tender crumb, promising a delightful sensory experience.

Bright and sunny ingredients come together in a simple mixing process that transforms ordinary pantry staples.

Fragrant orange zest whispers through the batter, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Soft butter and fresh eggs blend seamlessly, forming a rich foundation for this classic dessert.

Soft crackle of the golden crust hints at the luscious interior waiting to surprise you.

Let this delectable treat become your next baking adventure and impress everyone at the table.

Zesty Orange Pound Cake Ingredient List

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and tender texture to the pound cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy cake structure.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's moisture and richness.
• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Infuse the cake with bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic notes.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity and adds depth to the cake.

• All-Purpose Flour: Serves as the primary structural component of the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors in the cake.

• Cooking Spray, Butter: Used to grease the loaf pan and prevent the cake from sticking.

How to Bake Zesty Orange Pound Cake at Home

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and generously coat it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes super fluffy and turns a pale, creamy color.

This should take about 3-5 minutes of vigorous mixing.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Citrus Flavors

Crack eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, thoroughly blending after each addition.

• Fresh orange zest
• Freshly squeezed orange juice
• Vanilla extract

Mix until everything is wonderfully combined.

Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated.

Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the silky batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and dry.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes.

Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack.

Allow it to cool completely before slicing into delectable pieces.

Bright Tips for Zesty Orange Pound Cake

• Use a microplane or fine grater to capture only the bright orange outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
• Ensure butter, eggs, and other dairy ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Stir the batter just until dry ingredients are incorporated to prevent a tough, dense cake.
• Drizzle a simple orange glaze made with powdered sugar and fresh orange juice over the cooled cake for extra citrusy sweetness.
• Wrap the cooled pound cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain moisture.

Hold the Freshness in Orange Pound Cake Longer

• Wrap the pound cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
• Slice the cake, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, keeping it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and freshness.

Pairings That Work with Orange Pound Cake

• Pair with Citrus-Infused Champagne: Create a sparkling cocktail mixing light champagne with fresh orange juice to complement the cake's zesty flavor profile.
• Match with Lavender Honey Cream: Whip together delicate lavender-infused honey cream as a luxurious side accompaniment that enhances the cake's subtle orange notes.
• Select Smooth Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of rich, creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the pound cake for a classic, refreshing dessert combination that balances the cake's dense texture.
• Brew Fragrant Earl Grey Tea: Steep a cup of elegant Earl Grey tea with its bergamot undertones to provide a sophisticated and aromatic beverage that harmonizes perfectly with the orange pound cake's bright citrus essence.

Fun Twists for Zesty Orange Pound Cake

• Gluten-Free Citrus Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Orange Pound Cake: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegetable shortening. Use plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.
• Low-Sugar Citrus Loaf: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's moist texture.
• Vegan Orange Cake: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Replace butter with vegan margarine and incorporate plant-based milk for binding.

FAQs

• What gives this pound cake its zesty flavor?

The orange zest and fresh orange juice provide a bright, citrusy taste that makes this pound cake uniquely refreshing and adds a vibrant citrus note to the traditional dense cake texture.

• Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use bottled juice if needed. Just ensure it’s 100% pure orange juice without added sugars for the most authentic taste.

• Why do I need to cream butter and sugar so long?

Creaming butter and sugar for 3-5 minutes incorporates air into the mixture, creating a lighter, more tender cake texture. This process helps the cake rise and become fluffy instead of dense.

• How do I know when the pound cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is fully baked. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Orange Pound Cake with a Zesty Finish

• Enjoy the vibrant, tangy orange essence that transforms this classic pound cake into a refreshing treat that dances on your taste buds.
• Serve this moist, zesty cake for breakfast, afternoon tea, potlucks, or as a sweet ending to any meal, guaranteeing smiles from family and friends.
• Indulge in a nostalgic dessert that brings warmth and joy, creating memories with its classic texture and bright, sunny flavor profile.

Zesty Orange Pound Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent orange pound cake delivers a sunshine-kissed slice of pure delight, dancing with citrusy notes and rich buttery goodness. Delicate crumb and tangy glaze promise a memorable dessert that will transport you straight to citrus paradise.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour

Citrus Components:

• Zest of 2 large oranges
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) freshly squeezed orange juice

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by generously greasing its surface to prevent sticking, ensuring smooth cake removal.
2. Using an electric mixer, blend butter and sugar at medium-high speed until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency with soft peaks forming, approximately 4 minutes.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing each one into the butter-sugar base to create a smooth, uniform texture.
4. Gently fold orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract into the mixture, distributing flavors evenly throughout the batter.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even ingredient distribution.
6. Gradually introduce dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain the cake’s delicate structure.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
8. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 55-65 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to promote uniform browning.
9. Test cake doneness by inserting a thin skewer into the center; it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
10. Remove from oven and let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes, allowing it to set and cool slightly.
11. Carefully invert the cake onto a wire cooling rack, allowing it to reach room temperature before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Zesting Citrus Pro: Roll the orange on the counter before zesting to release more oils and enhance the vibrant citrus flavor, ensuring maximum aromatic intensity.
• Moisture Magic: Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough, dense cake; mix just until ingredients are combined to maintain a tender crumb.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the cake’s delightful texture.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternative, and use plant-based milk to create a delicious version suitable for dairy-free diets.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg