This Orange Loaf Cake is moist, tender, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Made with orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, Greek yogurt, and olive oil, this easy loaf cake is bright, simple, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
It has a soft crumb, a beautiful golden top, and just the right amount of sweetness. You can serve it plain with a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle it with a simple orange glaze for an extra sweet citrus finish.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Loaf Cake
- Fresh orange flavor in every bite
- Made with orange juice and orange zest
- Moist and tender from yogurt and oil
- No mixer needed
- Simple everyday ingredients
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or snack time
- Easy to make ahead
- Delicious with coffee or tea
What Makes This Orange Loaf Cake So Moist?
The secret to this soft and moist orange loaf cake is the combination of Greek yogurt and oil.
Greek yogurt adds richness and keeps the crumb tender, while olive oil helps the cake stay moist for days. Fresh orange zest and juice give the loaf its bright citrus flavor without needing artificial extracts.
This is the kind of easy cake you can make anytime, whether you need a simple dessert, a lunchbox treat, or something sweet for guests.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Optional Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Ingredient Notes
Orange Zest
Orange zest gives the cake its strongest citrus flavor. Use fresh oranges and grate only the bright orange part, not the bitter white pith.
Orange Juice
Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor. Bottled juice can work, but fresh juice makes the loaf taste brighter.
Greek Yogurt
Full-fat Greek yogurt keeps the cake moist and soft. If using regular yogurt, reduce the orange juice slightly because regular yogurt has more moisture.
Olive Oil
Olive oil gives the cake a tender texture and a subtle fruity flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, use vegetable oil or canola oil.
Eggs
Eggs help give structure and richness to the loaf.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla balances the citrus flavor and makes the cake taste warm and smooth.
How to Make Orange Loaf Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Add the Oil
Pour in the olive oil and whisk until fully combined.
The batter should look smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined.
Do not overmix. A few small lumps are fine.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the top is deep golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.
Transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving.
For a sweeter loaf, drizzle with orange glaze and let it set before slicing.
How to Make the Orange Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh orange juice.
Start with 2 tablespoons orange juice and add more as needed until the glaze reaches a smooth, drizzleable consistency.
Pour over the completely cooled loaf.
Let the glaze set before slicing.
Tips for the Best Orange Loaf Cake
Use Fresh Oranges
Fresh zest and juice make a big difference in flavor.
Do Not Overmix
Overmixing can make the cake dense. Stir only until the flour disappears.
Use Full-Fat Yogurt
Full-fat yogurt gives the best texture and prevents the loaf from becoming gummy.
Let the Cake Cool Before Glazing
If the cake is too warm, the glaze will melt and run off.
Measure Flour Correctly
Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Too much flour can make the cake dry.
Variations
Orange Glazed Loaf Cake
Top the cooled cake with the simple orange glaze for extra sweetness.
Lemon Orange Loaf Cake
Add lemon zest with the orange zest for a bright citrus mix.
Blood Orange Loaf Cake
Use blood orange juice and zest for a beautiful color and unique flavor.
Almond Orange Loaf Cake
Add ¼ teaspoon almond extract for a bakery-style flavor.
Orange Cranberry Loaf
Fold in ½ cup dried cranberries for a sweet-tart twist.
Chocolate Orange Loaf
Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a chocolate-orange version.
What to Serve With Orange Loaf Cake
This cake pairs perfectly with:
- Hot coffee
- Black tea
- Earl Grey tea
- Iced coffee
- Fresh berries
- Greek yogurt
- Whipped cream
- Orange slices
- Vanilla ice cream
Storage Instructions
Store the orange loaf cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
Let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the softest texture.
Freezing Instructions
Let the loaf cool completely before freezing.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
For best results, freeze the cake without glaze and add the glaze after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Bottled Orange Juice?
Fresh orange juice is best, but bottled orange juice can be used if needed.
Can I Use Regular Yogurt Instead of Greek Yogurt?
Yes. Use full-fat plain yogurt and reduce the orange juice by about 1 tablespoon because regular yogurt is thinner.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Can I Use Vegetable Oil Instead of Olive Oil?
Yes. Vegetable oil or canola oil both work well and have a more neutral flavor.
Does This Cake Need a Glaze?
No. The cake is delicious with just powdered sugar, but the glaze adds extra orange flavor and sweetness.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 to 55 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 10 slices
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per slice:
- Calories: 281
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 13g
- Sugar: 22g
Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients and toppings used.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Loaf Cake is simple, fresh, moist, and full of bright citrus flavor. The Greek yogurt keeps it tender, the olive oil keeps it soft, and the orange zest gives every slice a beautiful homemade flavor.
Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with orange glaze. Either way, it is a perfect easy cake for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon coffee break.