There’s something so comforting and nostalgic about the scent of oranges filling up the kitchen while a cake bakes in the oven. Thank you so much for being here — I truly appreciate every one of you who takes time out of your day to visit and share in the joy of homemade baking. And today’s treat? Oh, it’s a good one. This Glazed Orange Loaf Cake – Moist & Zesty Citrus Delight is everything you want in a citrus dessert. Bright, soft, tangy, and dripping in a glossy orange glaze that soaks right into the loaf. This one is for citrus lovers and cake lovers alike!
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What is a Glazed Orange Loaf Cake?
This isn’t just any loaf cake — it’s a citrus masterpiece. A glazed orange loaf cake is a soft, buttery pound cake-style loaf infused with fresh orange juice, orange zest, and a dreamy orange glaze that seeps into every crumb. The result is a golden, moist loaf that’s bursting with citrus flavor, beautifully aromatic, and topped with a simple glossy glaze that gives it that bakery-style finish. It’s the kind of recipe you make once and then start craving weekly.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
Let me count the ways! First off, it’s wonderfully easy. You don’t need a mixer, a complicated list of ingredients, or any baking wizardry. Secondly, the texture is something else — soft but sturdy, buttery yet not too rich, and it holds together like a dream when you slice it. And then there’s the glaze. Oh my word — it’s the kind of glaze that melts into the cake, creating a subtle crust on top while locking in all that juicy orange flavor underneath. It makes the whole loaf smell like a citrus grove! I promised you versatile, and here’s proof — this loaf works for breakfast, afternoon tea, dessert, or even a cheeky midnight snack. It’s elegant enough for a gathering, but humble enough to make for yourself on a cozy Sunday morning.
What Does This Orange Loaf Cake Taste Like?
Imagine a tender vanilla pound cake, but with a sunny citrus makeover. Each bite is sweet, lightly tangy, and bursting with the floral notes of real orange zest. It’s not overpowering — just the perfect balance of sugar and citrus. The glaze on top adds a pop of brightness and a delicate sheen that makes every slice feel special. The crumb is moist and tight, but still soft and airy enough to feel light on the tongue. It’s like a warm hug in citrus form.
Benefits of Making This Citrus Delight at Home
Besides filling your kitchen with an irresistible orange aroma (which is a win in itself!), there are plenty of perks to whipping this up yourself. You get to control the sweetness, the amount of zest, and even swap out ingredients based on what you have. No preservatives, no artificial flavors — just wholesome, everyday ingredients. Plus, homemade always tastes better, doesn’t it? This cake stays moist for days and travels beautifully, making it great for gifting or taking along to brunch or gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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1½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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Zest of 2 oranges
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¼ cup fresh orange juice (from the zested oranges)
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½ cup whole milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2-3 tbsp fresh orange juice
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Additional orange zest for garnish (optional)
Tools You’ll Need to Prepare It
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9×5 inch loaf pan
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk and rubber spatula
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Microplane or citrus zester
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Cooling rack
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Small saucepan (if warming the glaze)
Optional Add-Ins and Substitutions
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Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: For extra tang and moisture, swap ¼ cup of milk for yogurt or sour cream.
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Orange Liqueur: Add 1 tbsp of Grand Marnier or Triple Sec to the glaze for an adult twist.
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Almond Extract: Add ¼ tsp along with the vanilla for a subtle nutty aroma.
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Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup mini dark chocolate chips for a chocolate-orange version.
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Lemon: Swap in some lemon zest with the orange for a more complex citrus blend.
How to Make Glazed Orange Loaf Cake Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat and prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Combine dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add eggs and flavorings
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
Step 5: Mix the batter
Add the dry ingredients in two batches, alternating with the milk. Mix just until everything is combined — don’t overmix!
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Glaze it up
Whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled loaf. Garnish with extra zest if desired.
What to Serve With This Orange Loaf Cake
This loaf is lovely on its own, but if you want to take things up a notch:
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Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
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Pair with hot Earl Grey or chamomile tea for an afternoon tea setup.
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Add a few fresh berries on the side for a pop of color and flavor.
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Slice and serve with vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert moment.
Tips for Success Every Time
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Don’t skip the zest: It’s where all the orange flavor lives!
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Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk aren’t cold for a smooth batter.
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Don’t overmix: Mix just until everything is combined to keep the loaf soft and tender.
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Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick and check for moist crumbs (not wet batter).
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Glaze when cool: Glazing too early will melt it right off — wait until it’s fully cooled!
Storing Your Orange Loaf Cake
This loaf cake keeps beautifully!
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerate for up to 6 days — just let it come to room temp before serving.
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Freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and enjoy anytime!
FAQs About Glazed Orange Loaf Cake
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh is best for flavor and zest, but in a pinch, bottled orange juice will work. Just make sure it’s not from concentrate.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for similar results.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — just use two loaf pans and adjust the baking time slightly.
What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
You can use an 8×8 inch square pan for a cake-style version. Baking time will decrease by about 10 minutes.
In Conclusion: Why This Cake Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Box
This Glazed Orange Loaf Cake is sunshine in a slice. It’s bright, zesty, and irresistibly moist, with a simple glaze that makes it feel special enough for guests but easy enough for a weekday bake. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a recipe to try this weekend, this one is foolproof and full of flavor. From the scent of oranges while it bakes to the soft, sweet crumb, this cake will become a regular in your rotation — I just know it.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love my Peach Streusel Muffins, Fresh Peach Pound Cake, or Peach Cobbler Bars — all packed with fruit and that same homemade magic.
I Want to Hear From You!
Have you tried this Glazed Orange Loaf Cake? Leave a review below and let me know how it turned out! Share a photo on Pinterest and tag me — I love seeing your beautiful bakes and how you make each recipe your own.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice, 10 servings)
Calories: 310
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Vitamin C: 15% DV
Now go bake this beauty, pour yourself a cup of something warm, and enjoy a slice of citrus sunshine. Happy baking! 🍊