Orange Glazed Loaf Cake Recipe: Easy Spanish Citrus Bake 2026

This orange glazed loaf cake packs the full flavor of fresh citrus into a tender, juicy crumb that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness and crisp texture of its icing. Despite its eye-catching looks, it is very easy to prepare and the result is always excellent.

It is ideal for a indulgent weekend breakfast or for an afternoon snack alongside a café con leche or a cup of tea. You only need a loaf pan of about 9 x 4 inches, a handful of pantry staples and a couple of big oranges.

The zest goes straight into the sugar first, which draws out all of its aroma before the wet ingredients join in. A simple icing of powdered sugar, orange zest and juice sets on top for that crackly finish everyone loves.

Ingredients for Orange Glazed Loaf Cake

For 8 servings

• 200 g sugar
• Zest of 2 large oranges
• 240 g mild olive oil or sunflower oil
• 3 medium eggs
• 300 g wheat flour
• 6 g baking powder (Royal style)
• 1 pinch of salt
• 180 g orange juice
• 150 g powdered sugar
• Zest of half an orange
• 2-4 tablespoons orange juice

How to Make Orange Glazed Loaf Cake Step by Step

1. Prepare the Pan

Preheat the oven to 350 °F with heat from top and bottom. Grease a loaf pan of about 9 x 4 inches and line it with parchment paper, then set it aside.

2. Rub the Sugar with Orange Zest

Using a whisk, mix 200 grams of sugar well with the zest of 2 oranges. This way the zest releases all of its aroma into the sugar.

3. Add the Oil

Add 240 grams of oil to this mixture, either mild olive oil or sunflower oil depending on your preference. Mix well.

4. Incorporate the Eggs

Next, add 3 eggs one at a time, meaning do not add the next one until the previous one has been completely incorporated.

5. Sift in the Dry Ingredients

Sift 300 grams of wheat flour with 6 grams of baking powder and 1 pinch of salt over the egg mixture. Mix everything well.

6. Add the Orange Juice

Pour 180 grams of orange juice over the previous mixture and stir everything until you have a smooth, homogeneous batter.

7. Bake for 1 Hour

Transfer the batter to the reserved pan and bake for 1 hour at 350 °F, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking time can vary a lot from one oven to another, so from 40 minutes onward it is worth checking the cake regularly.

8. Cool and Unmold

Once the cake is perfectly baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 20 minutes on a wire rack. Then unmold it and let it cool further on the rack.

9. Make the Glaze

Prepare the glaze while the cake is still warm. Mix 150 grams of powdered sugar with the zest of half an orange, starting with 2 tablespoons of orange juice. If you like a runnier glaze, add 1 more tablespoon first and then another until you reach the desired consistency.

10. Spread the Glaze

Spread the glaze over the surface of the cake and let it dry completely.

11. Let Dry and Serve

Once the cake is cool and the glaze has dried, you can cut it into portions and enjoy this irresistible bite full of orange flavor.

Tips for the Best Orange Glazed Loaf Cake

Check the Bake Early

Ovens vary widely, so start testing the center with a toothpick from the 40-minute mark. Pull it out as soon as it comes out clean to keep the crumb tender and juicy.

Glaze While Still Warm

Mix and spread the icing while the cake is still slightly warm so it settles into a thin, crisp layer. Add the juice one tablespoon at a time to control how thick or runny it turns out.

Use Mild Oil

Choose a mild olive oil or sunflower oil so the citrus stays the star of the cake. Strong, peppery olive oil can overpower the delicate orange flavor.

30 Top Dishes I Enjoy Cooking at Home

Much like me, you probably like having a rotation of fuss-free comfort dishes, well-known global plates, and desserts that please a crowd.

When a rich, indulgent treat is what I'm after, I tend to reach for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this refined Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a luscious Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And any time a fruity, cozy dessert sounds good, this timeless French Tarte Tatin recipe is my go-to.

On mornings when I want something quick and on lighter days, I'll whip up these airy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a hearty Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these bright Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, I'm fond of making this no-fuss Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean flavors, I switch between this punchy Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crunchy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, silky Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and a cool Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe is another one I love to serve when the occasion calls for something a bit fancier.

Come lunchtime cravings or a cozy evening meal, I'm quick to suggest this warming Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, time-honored Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, deeply savory Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and velvety Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. Should I be after something more substantial, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, a homey Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the deeply comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Any time street-food style or party-ready plates are calling, I'll usually fix this succulent Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, punchy Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crisp Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These simple Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe are another favorite of mine to set out as a light starter or snack.

And when drinks plus a whole spread are on the agenda for company, I'll typically serve dinner alongside this cooling Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this strong Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. Then to fill out the table, I like to add this zesty French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finish things off with this eye-catching Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Additional Tasty Recipes to Cook for Loved Ones

After years of trying and tweaking recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to see that the greatest dishes balance ease, dependable methods, and big flavor.

The recipes gathered here are the very ones I keep coming back to, time and again—whether I'm throwing together a fast meal just for me or putting on something memorable for friends and family.

For a sweet finish, the rich, silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I turn to whenever I want something elegant yet effortless. Another dessert I adore is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If baking is your thing, knowing how to make syrup for better dessert texture comes in handy, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe shows exactly how I make it at home.

Whenever something light and uncomplicated is what I'm craving, I reach for the familiar Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a flawlessly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For fuller comfort meals, I'm quick to point to the filling Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the speedy weeknight winner One Pot Pasta Recipe.

I'm equally fond of passing along dishes rooted in tradition from across the globe, among them the genuine Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crisp Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the timeless Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer cooking is another area I return to often, since it cuts down on time while still delivering excellent texture. The ones I make most include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for those steering clear of wheat, my cozy Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that baked pasta classics can still be indulgent, cheesy, and deeply satisfying minus the gluten.

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