Orange Pound Cake Recipe

By Amy August 7, 2025

Orange pound cake recipe sliced on a wooden board with oranges
Table of Contents

Orange pound cake recipe fans, this one is for you. This soft and buttery loaf is full of bright citrus flavor and comforting memories. It is made from pantry staples and just one orange. The result is a moist, fragrant cake that feels special even though it is incredibly simple. Whether you are serving it with afternoon tea or gifting it to a friend, this cake brings joy with every slice.

If you are looking for another feel-good option that is light and fruity, try the simple no sugar no flour strawberry cake. It is just as easy and naturally sweet.

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Sliced orange pound cake served by hand with fresh oranges

Orange Pound Cake Recipe


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  • Author: Amy
  • Total Time: 50 mins
  • Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A moist and citrusy orange pound cake recipe made in one bowl with fresh juice and zest. Perfect for brunch, gifting, or a cozy treat.


Ingredients

Scale

3 large eggs

¾ cup (160g) caster sugar

1 ⅓ cup (160g) all-purpose flour, sifted

¾ teaspoon baking powder

⅔ cup (150g) salted butter, melted

Juice and zest of 1 orange


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 10 x 4.5 inch loaf pan

2. Whisk eggs and sugar until fluffy

3. Sift in flour and baking powder and mix

4. Add melted butter, orange juice, and zest

5. Stir until smooth and pour into loaf pan

6. Bake for 40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean

7. Cool completely before slicing

Notes

You can glaze the cake with a mix of powdered sugar, milk, and orange juice

Add-ins like mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts also work well

Let cool fully before storing for best texture

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Why This Orange Pound Cake Means More Than Just Dessert

Baking from Feel, Not Perfection

This orange pound cake recipe started in my tiny apartment kitchen. I had one orange, a stick of butter, and a nearly empty bag of flour. The scent of that orange reminded me of my grandmother’s weekend cakes. She never used exact measurements, but her citrus loaves were always tender and full of love.

I followed her spirit more than a recipe. I whisked eggs and sugar, folded in flour and baking powder, added butter and the fresh orange juice and zest. As it baked, the smell made my small space feel like home again. That moment turned this simple loaf into something I now make again and again.

Why This Recipe Became a Favorite

This recipe uses one bowl and no mixer. The batter comes together quickly, and the cleanup is minimal. It is not just convenient, it is reliable. I have made it dozens of times and it always comes out moist with a gentle orange finish. It is the kind of cake that makes you feel like you accomplished something wonderful, even on a busy day.

From Pantry to Pan – How to Make It

Simple Ingredients That Shine

Here is what you need:

Ingredient Amount
Large eggs 3
Caster sugar ¾ cup (160g)
All-purpose flour 1 ⅓ cups (160g)
Baking powder ¾ teaspoon
Salted butter, melted ⅔ cup (150g)
Juice and zest of 1 orange About ¼ cup juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 10 by 4.5 inch loaf pan
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy
  3. Sift in the flour and baking powder, then stir gently
  4. Add the melted butter, orange juice, and zest, and mix until smooth
  5. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 40 minutes
  6. Let it cool completely before slicing

If you love easy bakes with just one bowl, check out the no bake peanut butter cheesecake balls. They are rich, creamy, and come together in minutes.

Sliced orange pound cake served by hand with fresh oranges

How to Serve and Store This Orange Pound Cake Recipe for Best Results

Serving Ideas That Feel Special

This cake works beautifully as a breakfast loaf, afternoon snack, or light dessert. You can:

  • Dust it with powdered sugar and serve with sliced orange
  • Add a glaze using powdered sugar, milk, and orange juice
  • Top with whipped cream and a few berries
  • Pair it with a warm drink or brunch board

I once served it with the lemon crunch cake and the blueberry cottage cheese bread. The variety of textures and flavors was perfect for a springtime table.

Storing for Freshness That Lasts

Once cooled completely, wrap the cake in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container:

  • At room temperature: keeps moist for up to 3 days
  • In the fridge: good for 5 to 6 days
  • In the freezer: slice, wrap individually, and freeze for 2 months
  • To serve again: bring to room temp or microwave for 10 seconds

The flavor deepens on day two, so this cake is a great make-ahead option.

FAQs

What makes this pound cake moist?

The eggs, melted butter, and fresh orange juice lock in moisture. Whisking the eggs and sugar first adds volume and tenderness.

Can I use orange extract instead?

You can substitute ½ teaspoon of orange extract and replace the juice with water or milk. It works, but nothing beats fresh zest.

How do I know the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it is ready. The top should be golden and springy.

Can I bake it in other pans?

Yes. You can use a bundt pan or divide the batter into muffin tins. Just adjust the baking time and test for doneness early.
If you are craving something fruity but a bit different, the blackberry pistachio dream bars are vibrant, nutty, and easy to love. For something soft and elegant, the moist white chocolate velvet cake is worth trying too.

Why This Cake Always Feels Right

This orange pound cake recipe proves that simple can still be special. It uses everyday ingredients, bakes in one bowl, and delivers rich flavor without fuss. Whether you are baking for yourself or for others, this is a loaf that will always bring comfort.

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