Easy Orange Pound Cake with Fresh Citrus Flavor

This Easy Orange Pound Cake is a family favorite that brings a burst of sunshine to any table. I remember baking this with my daughter, Lily, when she was just five. We made a mess, but the sweet smell of oranges filled the kitchen, and we couldn’t wait to dig in!

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s a one-bowl recipe, making cleanup a breeze.
• The fresh citrus flavor is perfect for any occasion.
• It’s moist and tender, with a delightful orange aroma.

Pure Comfort

This cake is pure comfort food. Each slice is soft and bursting with fresh orange flavor, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack anytime.

What You Need

• 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g) – You can use coconut sugar for a healthier option.
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g) – Substitute with margarine if dairy-free.
• 3 3 large eggs – Room temperature eggs work best for mixing.
• 1 cup 1 cup ricotta cheese (240 g) – You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• 1/4 cup 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (60 ml) – Freshly squeezed juice enhances the flavor.
• 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon orange zest – Zest from about 1 medium orange.
• 2 cups 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g) – Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier twist.
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon baking powder – Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt – This balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cake rise nicely.

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 50 minutes | Total: 1 hour 5 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can make this cake a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside. This will help the cake release easily after baking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes, and you’ll notice a pale color change.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The mixture should look smooth and slightly thickened, which means it’s ready for the next step.
4. Stir in the ricotta cheese, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. The batter will be thick and fragrant, so take a moment to enjoy that citrus aroma.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the cake.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. It should look even and ready to bake.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top will be golden brown and slightly domed.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.

Make It Perfect

• For extra flavor, drizzle a simple orange glaze over the cooled cake.
• Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Mix It Up

• Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Mix in some chopped nuts for added texture.

Perfect Partners

• Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon.
• Serve alongside fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.

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FAQs

Conclusion

This Easy Orange Pound Cake is sure to become a beloved recipe in your home, just like it is in ours. With its fresh citrus flavor, it's perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in. Enjoy every slice!

Easy Orange Pound Cake with Fresh Citrus Flavor

This Easy Orange Pound Cake is a moist, tender dessert bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, it uses simple ingredients and offers a delightful orange aroma.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 minute min

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Oven
• Loaf Pan
• Mixing Bowl
• Spatula
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 cup granulated sugar You can use coconut sugar for a healthier option
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened; substitute with margarine if dairy-free
• 3 large eggs Room temperature eggs work best for mixing
• 1 cup ricotta cheese You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter version
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice Freshly squeezed juice enhances the flavor
• 1 tablespoon orange zest Zest from about 1 medium orange
• 2 cups all-purpose flour Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier twist
• 1 teaspoon baking powder Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise
• 1/2 teaspoon salt This balances the sweetness
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Helps the cake rise nicely

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in the ricotta cheese, fresh orange juice, and orange zest.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Keyword Baking, Citrus, easy, Orange, Pound Cake, Ricotta