Are you craving a moist, flavorful cake that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This orange pound cake recipe is the perfect answer for a delicious dessert or a delightful afternoon treat. It's a simple recipe, ideal for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks seeking a classic, elevated dessert. This recipe delivers a burst of sunshine with every bite, thanks to the bright citrus notes and wonderfully tender crumb. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this truly irresistible homemade treat!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (about 2 large oranges)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Make the Batter:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry ingredient mixture should be thoroughly combined. Setting this up beforehand makes the mixing process much smoother.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer makes this step quick and easy, but you can certainly achieve the same result with good old-fashioned elbow grease!
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
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Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract. The zest adds a beautiful aroma and vibrant flavor to the cake.
Bake and Cool:
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary.
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking and allows for even cooling.
Tips for the Best Orange Pound Cake:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using softened butter and room temperature eggs ensures proper emulsification and a lighter texture.
- Fresh is best: Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest provide the most vibrant flavor.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Test for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready!
Variations:
- Glaze it up: Drizzle a simple orange glaze over the cooled cake for extra sweetness and shine. A quick glaze can be made with powdered sugar and orange juice.
- Add nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Citrus swap: Substitute lemon or lime juice and zest for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: Approximately 18-20g Sugar: Approximately 25-30g
This easy recipe is perfect for creating a delicious and healthy dessert or a quick and easy dinner accompaniment. Enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of this homemade orange pound cake – a true testament to the joys of homemade cooking and the best of easy recipes.