Orange Loaf Cake with Citrus Glaze

Ingredients

The Cake:

1 ½ cups All-purpose flour
1 tsp Baking powder
¼ tsp Baking soda
¼ tsp Salt
½ cup Unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup Granulated sweetener (or sugar)
2 large Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla extract
½ cup Orange juice (freshly squeezed)
Zest of 1 orange

The Orange Glaze:

1 cup Powdered sweetener (or confectioners’ sugar)
2–3 tbsp Fresh orange juice
1 tsp Orange zest (for extra zing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Station

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sweetener

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sweetener together until the mixture is light and fluffy (usually about 2–3 minutes).

4. Incorporate Eggs and Flavor

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and the orange zest.

5. Combine Wet and Dry

Alternately add the flour mixture and the orange juice to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or the cake will be dense.

6. Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

7. Glaze and Finish

While the cake cools on a wire rack, whisk together the powdered sweetener, orange juice, and extra zest in a small bowl until smooth. Once the cake is mostly cool, pour the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides.

Pro Tip

If you want the glaze to soak into the cake, poke small holes in the top of the warm cake with a toothpick before pouring the glaze. This creates a “poke cake” effect that keeps it incredibly moist.