Orange Pound Cake: the Recipe for a Fragrant and Super Soft Classic Breakfast Treat!

Light, fluffy, and bursting with orange flavor, pound cake is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. This recipe infuses fresh orange slices, zest, and juice for a citrusy twist to a typical pound cake. And it’s super easy to make too! Simply whip up a batter, and pour it into a cake mold, making sure to place orange slices in between the layers of batter. With just a few pantry staples and some fresh oranges, you can whip up a delicious pound cake in no time.

What is Pound Cake?

Pound cake is a timeless teatime treat with a surprisingly simple concept: a dense, buttery cake made with (ideally) a pound of each of four key ingredients. The name "pound cake" is a nod to its historical recipe, which called for a pound each of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. This ensured a rich and flavorful cake.

Original pound cakes were quite different from the ones we enjoy today. They lacked leavening agents (like baking powder) and were likely much denser. Thankfully, bakers over time incorporated these elements, resulting in a lighter and airier texture. These days variations abound! From citrus twists like orange or lemon to decadent chocolate versions, pound cake offers endless flavor possibilities.

Tips

• Ensure the eggs and butter are at room temperature.
• Zest your orange before juicing it. The zest contains the most potent orange flavor, while the juice adds moisture.
• Use good quality ingredients, especially the oranges. Fresh, juicy oranges will contribute the best flavor.
• A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean when the cake is done.
• A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice adds a beautiful sheen and extra citrus punch.
• Top your cake with fresh orange slices or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Can I Substitute Another Citrus Fruit For The Orange?

Yes, you can! Lemon pound cake is a popular variation, but you can also experiment with grapefruit, tangerine, or even a combination of citrus fruits. Just remember to adjust the amount of juice or zest depending on the chosen fruit's acidity.

My Pound Cake Turned Out Dry. What Went Wrong?

Keep an eye on your cake during the last few minutes of baking. Overbaking can dry out the cake. Did you use room-temperature eggs and butter? Cold ingredients can lead to a denser cake. Did you squeeze enough juice from the oranges?

How To Choose The Right Oranges For Baking?

Ripe oranges are ideal. Choose oranges that feel heavy for their size and have bright, slightly yielding skin. Avoid oranges with blemishes or soft spots.

Can I Use Store-Bought Orange Juice, Instead?

Yes, you can! The juice's primary role is to provide moisture and flavor. As long as the orange juice is fresh and has no added sugars or preservatives that might alter the taste or texture, it will work well.

More Pound Cake Recipes You Can Make in No Time!

Old-Fashioned Pound Cake

Vanilla Pound Cake

Lemon Pound Cake

Marbe Pound Cake

Cherry Pound Cake

How to Store Orange Pound Cake

Leftover pound cake can be stored at room temperature for a few days or frozen for longer enjoyment.

How To Make Orange Pound Cake

In a bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until fluffy.

Add in the oil and orange juice and continue mixing.

Add the flour, potato starch, and yeast and mix well.

Add in the orange zest and mix well.

Cut the oranges into thin slices.

Pour half of the batter into the mold.

Place the slices on top of the batter.

Pour the rest of the batter over the slices.

To make it rise better in the center, make a slit in the batter using a dough scraper dipped in butter.

Bake at 180°C for 45 minutes, we recommend the toothpick test to ensure it is cooked inside. Allow to cool in the mold before removing.