Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 240 g all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 300 g granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 170 g powdered sugar (sifted)
Wet Ingredients
- 227 g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 100 g orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 50 g neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- 14 g plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 36 g orange juice, freshly squeezed (for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan or pullman pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Incorporate Sugar and Zest: Using the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest. Rub them together with your fingers until the mixture resembles wet sand and releases a fragrant orange aroma.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Add the room temperature unsalted butter to the sugar and zest mixture. Beat on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract and blend until combined.
- Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture and the orange juice with neutral oil alternately in three additions. Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition to avoid overmixing.
- Combine Batter and Bake: Scrape down the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure all ingredients are well mixed. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and freshly squeezed orange juice until the glaze is smooth and lump-free.
- Glaze and Serve: Pour the glaze evenly over the completely cooled cake. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy your moist, citrus-infused pound cake!
Notes
- Using room temperature eggs and butter helps achieve a smooth, well-emulsified batter.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest provide the best citrus flavor.
- For a dairy-free glaze alternative, substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or omit it and adjust powdered sugar for consistency.
- The neutral oil adds moistness without overpowering the orange flavor.
- If you prefer a more intense orange flavor, add a teaspoon of orange extract along with vanilla.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American