Description
This delicious Orange Loaf Cake is a moist and flavorful treat perfect for any time of day. Infused with fresh orange juice and zest, it's topped with a zesty orange icing that enhances its citrusy sweetness. Made with almond milk and rapeseed oil, it's a lighter alternative to traditional loaf cakes, ideal for those looking for a dairy-free dessert option.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 300g plain flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 185g caster sugar
- 125ml rapeseed/canola oil
- 200ml unsweetened almond milk
- Juice of 2 oranges (~130ml)
- Zest of 2 oranges (~2.5 tbsp)
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
Icing Ingredients
- 90g (1/2 cup) icing sugar
- 2 tbsp orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tin: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line and grease a 9x5 inch loaf tin to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift the plain flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Add the caster sugar and mix together using a wooden spoon until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the rapeseed oil, unsweetened almond milk, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla essence thoroughly.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients. Gently mix them together until just combined to avoid overmixing which could make the cake dense.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The edges should start turning golden brown. Perform a toothpick test by inserting a skewer into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, bake for a few more minutes and retest.
- Prepare Icing: While the cake cools, mix the icing sugar and orange juice together until it forms a thick, spreadable icing.
- Ice the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the orange icing evenly over the top using the back of a spoon. Garnish with extra orange zest for a fresh, decorative finish.
- Serve and Store: Slice the cake into 8-10 pieces and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh oranges for the best flavor and aroma.
- Ensure the cake has cooled completely before icing to prevent the icing from melting.
- Checking with a toothpick is crucial to avoid an undercooked center.
- This recipe is dairy-free due to almond milk and canola oil.
- Store the cake in an airtight container to preserve moisture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western