Orange Pound Cake

Fragrant, moist, and tender Orange Pound Cake flavored with freshly squeezed orange juice and orange zest is the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just enjoying a quiet afternoon, this cake stands out with its vibrant flavor and delightful texture. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh orange juice and zest brings a bright, citrusy taste that elevates this cake.
• Simple Ingredients: With basic pantry staples, you can whip up this cake without any hassle.
• Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack with tea or coffee.
• Moist Texture: The melted butter ensures each slice is rich and tender.
• Quick Preparation: In just 50 minutes, you can have a homemade cake ready to enjoy.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Orange Pound Cake, gather the essential tools that will help you create this delicious treat seamlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Sifter
• Loaf tin (10 x 4.5-inch)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spills.
• Whisk: Ensures eggs and sugar are blended thoroughly for a lighter batter.
• Sifter: Helps to aerate the flour, resulting in a fluffier cake texture.

Ingredients

To make this delightful Orange Pound Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake

• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup (160g) caster sugar
• 1 ⅓ cup (160g) all-purpose flour, sifted
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ⅔ cup (150g) salted butter, melted
• 1 orange (juice + zest)

How to Make Orange Pound Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease your loaf tin measuring 10 x 4.5 inches (25 x 10 cm).

Step 2: Mix Eggs and Sugar

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Sift in the all-purpose flour along with baking powder. Stir well until fully combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add the melted butter along with the freshly squeezed orange juice and zest. Stir until smooth.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf tin. Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the pound cake to cool completely before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Orange Pound Cake as a delightful treat that’s sure to brighten anyone’s day!

How to Serve Orange Pound Cake

Orange Pound Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re having it for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, there are plenty of serving ideas to enhance its flavor and presentation.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Strawberries – Fresh strawberries add a sweet and tangy contrast to the citrus flavor of the cake.
• Citrus Salad – A mix of oranges, grapefruits, and mandarins complements the orange essence beautifully.
• Berries Medley – Blueberries and raspberries bring a burst of color and tartness.

With Creamy Toppings

• Whipped Cream – Light and airy whipped cream pairs perfectly with the moist texture of the cake.
• Greek Yogurt – A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness.
• Vanilla Ice Cream – The creaminess of ice cream enhances the orange flavor for a delicious dessert.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Coffee or Tea – Serve slices alongside your favorite warm beverages for a cozy brunch experience.
• Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese to elevate the flavors further.

How to Perfect Orange Pound Cake

To create an irresistible Orange Pound Cake, follow these helpful tips. They’ll ensure your cake turns out perfectly moist and flavorful every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest elevate the flavor profile significantly.
• Don’t Overmix Batter – Gently folding in ingredients prevents dense cake; mix just until combined.
• Check Oven Temperature – Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even cooking.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing – Allowing the cake to cool helps maintain its structure and moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Pound Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Orange Pound Cake can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Compote – A sweet, tangy fruit compote adds brightness to your cake.
2. Honey Glazed Nuts – Crunchy nuts with a touch of honey provide texture contrast and complementary sweetness.
3. Coconut Sorbet – This refreshing sorbet balances the citrus with its tropical notes.
4. Caramel Sauce – Drizzling caramel adds richness that pairs nicely with orange flavors.
5. Almond Biscotti – A crunchy biscotti is perfect for dipping alongside your slice of cake.
6. Herb-Infused Tea – A light herbal tea rounds out the meal while enhancing the citrus notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Orange Pound Cake, even small missteps can impact your results. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Not using fresh ingredients: Using stale eggs or old flour can affect the cake’s texture. Always check the freshness of your ingredients before starting.
• Skipping the sifting step: Sifting flour helps aerate it and removes lumps. This ensures a lighter, fluffier pound cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Combine just until ingredients are incorporated for the best texture.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to guarantee precise ingredient amounts for consistent results.
• Ignoring oven temperatures: Every oven is different. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the right temperature.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Orange Pound Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Orange Pound Cake

• Wrap the cooled pound cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating Orange Pound Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 10-15 seconds on medium power, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Cover a skillet with a lid and heat on low for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Orange Pound Cake:

How To Make Orange Pound Cake moist?

To keep your Orange Pound Cake moist, ensure you don’t overbake it. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean but moist, not dry.

Can I add other flavors to my Orange Pound Cake?

Yes! You can incorporate flavors like vanilla extract or almond extract for added depth.

How do I know when my Orange Pound Cake is done?

The cake should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

What can I serve with Orange Pound Cake?

Orange Pound Cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a light glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Pound Cake is fragrant, moist, and incredibly easy to make. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various flavors or toppings. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful recipe in your kitchen!