This Orange Pound Cake is a moist, fluffy, and citrusy loaf made with fresh orange juice and zest. Topped with a sweet, zesty orange glaze, it’s a bright and flavorful twist on a classic pound cake recipe. Perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or dessert, this cake is easy to make and full of sunny flavor that’s sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• ¾ cup butter, at room temperature

• 1½ cups granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon orange zest

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon orange zest

• 2–3 tablespoons orange juice (adjust for desired consistency)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line the bottom with a strip of parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Spray again lightly.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.

3. Add Wet Ingredients:
   Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and orange zest. Scrape down the sides as needed.

4. Add Dry Ingredients and Juice:
   Reduce mixer speed to low. Add flour gradually until combined, then mix in the orange juice until smooth.

5. Bake:
   Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If browning too fast, tent with foil. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

6. Glaze:
   In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth. Adjust thickness with juice or sugar as needed. Drizzle over cooled cake.

Nutrients (Approximate per slice)

• Calories: 460 kcal

• Fat: 19.6g

• Carbohydrates: 68.3g

• Sugar: 51.4g

• Protein: 5.6g

• Cholesterol: 115.5mg

• Sodium: 30.3mg

The Magic of Fresh Orange

Fresh orange juice and zest are the stars that set this pound cake apart. The juice adds moisture and a natural tangy sweetness, while the zest contains essential oils that impart intense citrus aroma and a burst of flavor. Together, they bring vibrancy to the cake, making it taste lively and refreshing rather than overly sweet or heavy.

Using fresh ingredients ensures the cake captures the true essence of orange, making it more than just a flavored cake—it becomes an experience reminiscent of fresh fruit picked on a sunny day. The orange’s natural acidity also helps balance the richness of the butter, lending a subtle lift to the cake’s texture.

Moisture and Texture Balance

Pound cake is traditionally known for its dense but tender crumb, and this recipe stays true to that heritage while ensuring moistness and lightness. The creaming of butter and sugar aerates the batter, providing a fluffy base. Adding eggs gradually helps emulsify the batter, creating a smooth, silky texture.

The flour is incorporated gently to avoid overworking the gluten, which could result in a tough cake. The gradual addition of orange juice contributes moisture while maintaining the structure, ensuring the crumb stays soft without becoming soggy.

The result is a cake with a golden crust and a tender interior that’s dense enough to hold together yet light enough to melt in your mouth.

Sweet and Tangy Orange Glaze

The crowning glory of this pound cake is the sweet orange glaze that’s drizzled over the cooled loaf. Made from powdered sugar, orange zest, and fresh juice, the glaze adds a glossy, flavorful finish that enhances the citrus notes and adds an additional layer of sweetness.

The glaze’s consistency can be adjusted to preference—thicker for a coating that softens the crust slightly, or thinner for a delicate drizzle that seeps into the cake. This finishing touch not only boosts flavor but also adds visual appeal, making the cake look as inviting as it tastes.

Nutritional Perspective

Each slice of Orange Pound Cake contains approximately 460 calories, offering a satisfying amount of energy from fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. The butter contributes rich fats and vitamin A, while the eggs provide protein and essential nutrients like choline.

Though the cake is sweet, the natural orange flavors balance the sugar’s intensity, preventing it from becoming overwhelming. The modest sodium content supports flavor without being excessive.

Versatility and Serving Ideas

This cake’s bright flavor pairs wonderfully with a range of accompaniments. It is delicious served on its own with a cup of tea or coffee, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

For more indulgent occasions, serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries to complement the citrus notes. The cake can also be sliced thin for use in layered desserts or trifles, where its moist crumb soaks up creams and fruit juices beautifully.

Tips for Baking Success

To achieve the perfect orange pound cake, it’s important to follow a few essential steps:

• Use freshly squeezed orange juice and finely grated zest for maximum flavor and aroma.

• Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing to promote better emulsification.

• Beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy to incorporate air and improve texture.

• Add flour gradually and gently to avoid toughening the cake.

• Check the cake at the end of baking with a toothpick to ensure it’s done without overbaking, which could dry it out.

• Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the icing from melting and running.

Variations and Enhancements

While this recipe shines as is, there are several ways to tailor it to personal taste or occasions:

• Add a teaspoon of almond or orange extract for intensified flavor.

• Mix in poppy seeds or finely chopped nuts for texture contrast.

• Substitute part of the orange juice with lemon or grapefruit juice for a citrus medley.

• Incorporate a splash of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau, into the batter or glaze for an adult twist.

• Dust with powdered sugar instead of glazing for a simpler finish.

Conclusion

The Orange Pound Cake is a timeless, versatile dessert that captures the essence of citrus freshness within a rich, buttery loaf. Its tender crumb, infused with vibrant orange zest and juice, offers a bright and uplifting flavor that feels like sunshine on a plate. The sweet, tangy glaze elevates the cake, making it suitable for everything from casual gatherings to special celebrations.

Easy to make and sure to impress, this cake invites bakers of all skill levels to explore the perfect balance of richness and zest. With every slice, you experience the joyful marriage of tradition and creativity, resulting in a dessert that is both comforting and refreshingly new. Whether paired with tea, served alongside fresh fruit, or enjoyed on its own, this orange pound cake is sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.