Description
A zesty twist on a classic! This pound cake is bright, fragrant, and utterly irresistible thanks to a simple addition of fresh orange zest.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 3/4 cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cups (227 g) unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups (340 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cups (240 ml) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1 cups (120 g) powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 to 2 teaspoons orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a rack in the center.
- Butter and flour your loaf pans or bundt pan, tapping out excess flour. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter on medium speed until smooth (about 30 seconds). Add sugar and continue to beat on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the beaten eggs in 2 to 3 additions, beating well after each and scraping down the sides. Add the vanilla extract and mix just until incorporated.
- With mixer on low, add one-third of the dry ingredients. Add half the milk, mix briefly, then add another third of flour. Repeat with the remaining milk and flour. Stop mixing once everything is just combined. Do not overbeat.
- Gently fold in orange zest by hand using a spatula.
- Spoon batter into prepared pans, filling no more than ¾ full. Bake for 20–30 minutes for mini loaves or 50–65 minutes for regular loaves or bundt. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cakes. Let set before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice in the glaze.
- Room temperature ingredients ensure even mixing and a smoother batter. Let butter and eggs come to room temperature before starting.
- To prevent the glaze from becoming too runny, add powdered sugar gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 60