Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (120 ml) fresh orange juice (about 2–3 oranges)
2 tablespoons orange zest (finely grated)
½ cup (120 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Orange Glaze (Optional but Recommended):
1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
½ teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or an 8-inch round cake pan.
Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Baking powder
Salt
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with:
Orange juice
Milk
Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 40–50 minutes (loaf pan) or 30–40 minutes (round pan), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Orange Glaze (Optional)
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth and slightly thick but pourable.
Drizzle glaze over the cooled cake.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Pairs wonderfully with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk.
For a festive touch, top with thin candied orange slices.
✨ Result: A soft, buttery cake infused with fresh orange flavor, topped with a sweet citrus glaze — truly a timeless, old-fashioned treat!
Would you like me to also give you a tea-time version (lighter, without glaze, more like a soft orange pound cake)?
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