Imagine sinking your teeth into a cloud-like cake that bursts with vibrant orange flavor, so moist and delicate it practically melts on your tongue! This Orange Pillow Loaf Cake isn't just a dessert—it's a sensory experience that transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary culinary adventure. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious kitchen novice, this recipe promises to elevate your baking game and impress everyone from family to dinner guests.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and remove any lumps.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure complete incorporation and a smooth batter.
- Gently fold in the orange zest, mixing until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with orange juice, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple orange glaze for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips
- • Room temperature ingredients are crucial: Ensure eggs, butter, and orange juice are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.• Don't overmix the batter: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.• Use fresh orange zest for maximum flavor intensity—avoid dried or pre-packaged zest.• Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; a few moist crumbs are perfect, but no wet batter.• Let the cake cool completely before slicing to maintain its delicate structure.• For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a simple orange glaze or dusting with powdered sugar.• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 330kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 95mg
