Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Orange Pound Cake recipe! This cake is seriously a slice of sunshine! I remember the first time I made it—my kitchen was filled with the most intoxicating citrus aroma, and I could hardly wait to dig in. The moment I took that first bite, I was hooked! It’s incredibly moist, with a delightful tang from the fresh orange juice and zest that just dances on your taste buds. I love how this cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea or a fancy dinner party. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll want to keep it in your recipe rotation forever. It’s just that good!
Ingredients for Orange Pound Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful Orange Pound Cake. Gather these ingredients and let’s get baking!
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature for easy mixing
2 cups granulated sugar, which adds that lovely sweetness
4 large eggs, room temperature for a smoother batter
3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted to ensure a light texture
1 teaspoon baking powder, to help it rise beautifully
1/2 teaspoon salt, just to balance the flavors
1/2 cup fresh orange juice, the key to that zesty flavor
1 tablespoon orange zest, packed with fragrant oils
Make sure everything is measured out and ready to go, because once you start mixing, you’ll want to keep the momentum going!
Alright, let’s dive into the joy of baking this Orange Pound Cake! It’s really quite simple, and I promise the results are absolutely worth it. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want that oven nice and hot when it’s time to bake. While that’s heating up, grab your 10-inch bundt pan and grease it with butter, then dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You’ll want to see a pale color and a fluffy texture, which means you’re on the right track! Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. This helps create a smooth batter.
In another bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Now, here’s where the magic happens: gradually add this dry mixture to the butter-sugar-egg mixture, alternating with the fresh orange juice. Start and end with the flour mixture, and mix just until combined. Finally, stir in that fragrant orange zest. You’re going to love how this smells!
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake it in the oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once it’s done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it—your beautiful Orange Pound Cake is ready to shine!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10-inch bundt pan.
Cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of orange zest until well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Pound Cake Recipe
Incredibly moist and tender thanks to the fresh orange juice and zest.
The vibrant citrus flavor is refreshing and uplifting, perfect for any occasion.
Simple to prepare, making it an ideal recipe for both novice and experienced bakers.
Beautifully elegant when served, yet comforting enough for a casual afternoon snack.
Versatile enough to pair with coffee, tea, or even as a delightful dessert at dinner parties.
Tips for Success with Your Orange Pound Cake
To ensure your Orange Pound Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin. This helps create that lovely, smooth batter. When creaming the butter and sugar, take your time—don’t rush this step! You want it light and fluffy for the best texture. Also, be careful not to overmix once you add the flour; just mix until combined to keep the cake tender. Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary! Check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking. And remember, letting it cool in the pan for 10 minutes is key to maintaining its shape!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one slice of this delightful Orange Pound Cake. Each serving contains about 350 calories, with 16 grams of fat and 10 grams of saturated fat. You’ll also find 20 grams of sugar, alongside 4 grams of protein. If you’re keeping an eye on carbs, that’s around 50 grams per slice, with 1 gram of fiber to boot. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this cake as part of a balanced diet!
FAQ about Orange Pound Cake Recipe
I’ve gathered some common questions you might have about making this delicious Orange Pound Cake, so let’s dive in!
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh? Sure! While fresh juice gives the best flavor, bottled juice can work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% orange juice for the closest taste!
What if I don’t have a bundt pan? No worries! You can use a regular loaf pan instead. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it might take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I add other flavors? Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some lemon zest or even a splash of vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost. You could also add chopped nuts or dried fruit if you’re feeling adventurous!
How should I store leftovers? Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months!
Can I glaze the cake? Yes! A simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice drizzled on top adds an extra touch of sweetness and zest that’s just heavenly!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious Orange Pound Cake is super easy! If you have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), just place the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist and tender! If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the cake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag, and it’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For a warm treat, simply reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to bring back that cozy, fresh-baked goodness without drying it out!
Serving Suggestions for Orange Pound Cake
Now that you’ve baked this heavenly Orange Pound Cake, let’s talk about how to serve it up! It’s absolutely divine on its own, but if you want to elevate your experience, try pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra creamy touch. Fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, complement the citrus flavor beautifully, adding a pop of color and freshness. For a little zest, drizzle a simple orange glaze over the top or sprinkle with powdered sugar. You can even serve it with a warm cup of tea or coffee—perfect for a cozy afternoon treat!
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