Fresh Orange Pound Cake
A moist, flavorful orange pound cake with bright citrus notes, perfect for dessert or teatime, appealing to citrus lovers and those seeking a classic, rich treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grate the rind of 1 orange and set aside half for icing.
- Preheat oven and prepare a loaf pan or cake mold.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
- Stir in half of the orange rind, orange juice, orange flavoring, and vanilla flavoring.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for approximately 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While baking, prepare icing by mixing the remaining orange rind and juice with powdered sugar and a bit of evaporated milk until smooth.
- Once cake is cooled, drizzle with orange icing before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your butter and shortening are at room temperature before creaming. If you don’t have evaporated milk, whole milk or a mixture of milk and heavy cream can be substituted. For a deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the batter. This cake pairs beautifully with Mississippi Mud Pie, making for a delightful dessert duo.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of the Fresh Orange Pound Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh orange slices or mint leaves to enhance its bright flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Orange Pound Cake contains roughly 474 calories, with 5g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of calcium (19% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 507mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use light butter instead of regular butter?
While you can substitute light butter, it may alter the texture and richness of the cake. Regular butter provides a better flavor and moisture, which are essential in a pound cake. If you're looking for lighter options, consider reducing the sugar slightly.
What should I do if my cake is too dense?
A dense cake can result from overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients. To prevent this, mix just until combined and use room temperature ingredients. If it happens, try slicing the cake thinly and serving with fresh fruit or a light syrup to enhance its moisture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this pound cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper binding. Additionally, check that all other ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).