Blood Orange Loaf Cake

Blood Orange Loaf Cake is a delightful treat that bursts with citrus flavor. This moist and tender cake is perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to dessert at a dinner party. Its vibrant color and zesty aroma make it a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright Flavor: The combination of blood orange zest and juice infuses the cake with a fresh, tangy taste that elevates the classic loaf cake.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You can whip it up in no time!
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, or dress it up with a glaze or a decadent chocolate cream topping for extra indulgence.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual gathering or a special celebration, this loaf cake fits right in.
• Stays Moist: The soaking syrup ensures the cake remains moist and flavorful even days after baking.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Blood Orange Loaf Cake, gather your tools and equipment. These essentials will help streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 2lb Loaf Pan
• Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Whisk
• Mixing Bowls
• Sifter
• Spatula
• Measuring Scales

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Whisk: These tools make whisking ingredients easy and effective, helping to achieve a light and fluffy batter.
• Mixing Bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to keep your ingredients organized and ready for mixing.
• Sifter: Sifting flour and other dry ingredients ensures there are no lumps in your batter, leading to a smooth texture.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 230 g Caster Sugar
• 10 g Blood Orange Zest
• 170 g Whole Eggs
• 115 g Double / Heavy Cream
• 185 g Cake Flour
• 3 g Baking Powder
• 3 g Fine Sea Salt
• 60 g Neutral Oil (Vegetable or Groundnut)
• 50 g Blood Orange Juice

For the Soaking Syrup

• 50 g Sugar
• 100 g Icing/Powdered Sugar
• Lemon Juice
• Blood Orange Juice

For the Chocolate Cream (Optional)

• 3 g Powdered Vegan gelatin
• 18 g Cold Water
• 100 g Whole Milk
• 135 g Dark Chocolate, Melted
• 10 g Glucose
• 200 g Double/Heavy Cream

How to Make Blood Orange Loaf Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Pre-heat the oven to 160C/320F (Non-fan Assisted). Lightly grease a 2lb loaf tin, then coat the inside with flour before tipping out any excess.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a bowl, massage the blood orange zest into the sugar for one minute.
2. Add the whole eggs into the bowl. Using a stand mixer or electric hand whisk, mix on medium speed for about three minutes until thicker and paler.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk again until combined.
4. Remove from mixer, scrape any zest stuck to the whisk back into the batter.
5. Sift in cake flour, baking powder, and salt; gently whisk them in by hand.

Step 3: Finalize the Batter

Whisk in neutral oil just until you have a smooth batter. Pour this mixture into the prepared loaf tin.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pipe a thin line of soft butter down the center of the batter. Bake for approximately 65-75 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

Step 5: Make the Soaking Syrup

While the cake bakes, boil together sugar with water until dissolved, setting aside once done.

Step 6: Cool and Soak

Once baked, remove from tin and poke holes with a skewer. Soak with syrup before wrapping tightly in cling film and chilling overnight.

Step 7: Prepare Optional Chocolate Cream

In a small bowl, stir powdered vegan gelatin into cold water; let sit for five minutes. Heat milk with glucose until simmering; stir in bloomed gelatin until dissolved. Gradually add this milk mixture to melted chocolate while stirring vigorously until smooth. Blend in cold cream.

Step 8: Glaze If Desired

Preheat oven again; sift icing sugar into a bowl. Whisk enough lemon juice to create thick consistency; add blood orange juice for color. Paint glaze over cooled cake before briefly returning it to oven to set.

Now you have made an incredible Blood Orange Loaf Cake! Enjoy its unique flavors and share with friends family!

How to Serve Blood Orange Loaf Cake

Blood Orange Loaf Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, serving suggestions can enhance the experience.

With a Cup of Tea

• Serve slices of the cake alongside your favorite herbal or black tea for a comforting afternoon break.

Topped with Fresh Berries

• Add a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries on the side. Their tartness complements the sweetness of the loaf.

Drizzled with Citrus Glaze

• Enhance the flavor by drizzling additional citrus glaze over each slice before serving for a zesty finish.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• Pair with lightly sweetened whipped cream for a rich and creamy contrast to the cake’s texture.

As a Breakfast Toast

• Toast slices lightly and spread with a bit of butter or vegan alternative for a quick breakfast option.

How to Perfect Blood Orange Loaf Cake

To achieve the best results with your Blood Orange Loaf Cake, follow these helpful tips for perfecting your bake.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and baking powder prevents lumps and ensures an even rise.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in dry ingredients to avoid a dense loaf; overmixing can lead to tough cake.
• Test Doneness Carefully: Insert a skewer into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool before adding any glaze to prevent it from melting away.

Best Side Dishes for Blood Orange Loaf Cake

Enjoying Blood Orange Loaf Cake is even better with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang, balancing the sweetness of the loaf.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can brighten up your plate and add extra vitamins.
3. Coconut Chia Pudding: This light pudding provides a tropical twist that pairs nicely with citrus flavors.
4. Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee enhances the flavors and makes for a delightful pairing with dessert.
5. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti can provide an enjoyable texture contrast when served alongside the cake.
6. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a classic sweet treat that pairs beautifully with citrus desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding pitfalls while making your Blood Orange Loaf Cake can lead to a more successful baking experience. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause your cake to rise improperly or burn. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Skipping Ingredient Measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin the texture and flavor of your cake. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise measurements.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy. Mix until just combined, especially when incorporating dry ingredients.
• Not Letting the Cake Cool Properly: Cutting into a warm cake can lead to crumbling. Allow your Blood Orange Loaf Cake to cool in the tin for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
• Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Using cold eggs or cream can affect how well they incorporate into the batter. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• The cake will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Blood Orange Loaf Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Blood Orange Loaf Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 160C/320F. Wrap the cake in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Blood Orange Loaf Cake that may help you during your baking journey.

Can I use regular oranges instead of blood oranges?

Yes, you can substitute regular oranges if blood oranges are not available, but the flavor will differ slightly.

How do I ensure my Blood Orange Loaf Cake is moist?

Make sure not to overbake your cake and consider adding a simple syrup after baking for extra moisture.

What should I serve with Blood Orange Loaf Cake?

This loaf pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or even a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for dessert.

How long does it take to bake a Blood Orange Loaf Cake?

Typically, it takes about 65-75 minutes, but always check with a skewer for doneness as oven times may vary.

Final Thoughts

This Blood Orange Loaf Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its vibrant citrus flavor makes it perfect for brunches or afternoon tea. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or spices like cinnamon for added depth. We encourage you to give this delightful recipe a try!