Blood Orange Loaf Cake

Blood Orange Loaf Cake is a delightful treat that will brighten your day. With its vibrant color and zesty flavor, this cake is perfect for any occasion—from afternoon tea to festive gatherings. The unique combination of blood orange zest and juice creates a refreshing taste that pairs beautifully with a light glaze or creamy topping. Plus, it’s easy to make and sure to impress family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blood orange adds a unique tanginess that elevates the classic loaf cake.
• Easy Preparation: Simple steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, with glaze, or topped with creamy chocolate namelaka for an extra treat.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday or a casual get-together, this loaf cake fits right in.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Its bright color and glossy finish make it visually stunning on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your Blood Orange Loaf Cake, gather the necessary tools to streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or electric hand whisk
• 2lb loaf tin
• Mixing bowls
• Sifter
• Spatula
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or electric hand whisk: Helps achieve the right consistency when mixing ingredients, making the process easier and faster.
• Loaf tin: Specifically shaped to create that classic loaf cake look and texture.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Sifter: Ensures that dry ingredients are aerated and free from lumps for a smoother batter.

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 Syrup

• 50 g Sugar
• Lemon Juice
• Blood Orange Juice

For the 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

For the Glaze

• 100 g Icing/Powdered Sugar

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 a few tablespoons of flour before tipping out the excess.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a bowl, massage the blood orange zest into the sugar for one minute. Then add the eggs. Using a stand mixer or electric hand whisk, whisk together on medium speed for about three minutes until thicker and paler in consistency.

Step 3: Mix in Cream

Pour in the cream and whisk again until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Remove the bowl from the mixer and scrape off any orange zest stuck to the whisk. Add it back into the batter. Sift in dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently whisk them in by hand.

Step 5: Add Oil

Whisk in oil just until you have a smooth batter without overmixing.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the mixture into your prepared loaf tin. Pipe a thin line of soft butter down the center. Bake for around 65-75 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean; keep an eye on it as baking time may vary depending on your tin.

Step 7: Make Syrup While Baking

While your cake bakes, boil syrup ingredients together until sugar dissolves. Set aside once done.

Step 8: Soak Cake with Syrup

Once baked, remove from tin and poke holes in it with a skewer. Soak with syrup, wrap tightly in cling film, and chill overnight to improve texture.

Step 9: Prepare Optional Cream

In a small bowl, stir together powdered vegan gelatin and cold water; let sit for five minutes.

Step 10: Create Chocolate Mixture

In a saucepan over low heat, combine milk and glucose until simmering. Stir in bloomed vegan gelatin until dissolved.

Step 11: Combine Chocolate

Slowly pour hot milk over melted chocolate in three additions while stirring vigorously until smooth.

Step 12: Add Cold Cream

Pour cold cream into chocolate mixture; blend or whisk until combined.

Step 13: Chill Mixture

Transfer chocolate cream to a bowl and cover with cling film; refrigerate overnight.

Step 14: Prepare Glaze

Pre-heat oven again to set glaze if desired. In a bowl, sift icing sugar; whisk enough lemon juice to create thick glue-like consistency starting with juice from half lemon. Add small squeeze of fresh blood orange juice for color.

Step 15: Glaze Cake

Remove chilled cake from fridge; paint glaze all over outside of cake. Place on baking tray and pop back into oven for one to two minutes just to set glaze.

Step 16: Serve!

Allow cake to come to room temperature before serving. If decorating with chocolate namelaka instead of glaze, skip gluing step as flavors may not pair well together. Whisk namelaka until medium stiff peaks form before piping onto cake as desired.

This Blood Orange Loaf Cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every slice!

How to Serve Blood Orange Loaf Cake

Blood Orange Loaf Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it as a dessert or a midday snack, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Fresh berries or slices of citrus fruit add a refreshing contrast to the sweet loaf, balancing flavors beautifully.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a rich, fluffy texture that complements the moist cake wonderfully.

Drizzled with Citrus Glaze

• The glaze made from icing sugar and lemon juice gives an extra zing, making each bite even more enjoyable with its glossy finish.

Served with Tea or Coffee

• Enjoying a slice of Blood Orange Loaf Cake alongside your favorite hot beverage makes for a cozy afternoon treat.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Slice the loaf into smaller pieces and serve it on a brunch table with other pastries and fruits for an inviting spread.

How to Perfect Blood Orange Loaf Cake

To make sure your Blood Orange Loaf Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and cream to come to room temperature for better mixing, leading to a lighter batter.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, as this can significantly affect the cake’s texture and taste.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold in dry ingredients to prevent developing gluten, which can lead to a dense loaf.
• Check for Doneness: Use a skewer to test if the cake is done; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Let the cake cool thoroughly before adding any glaze to ensure it adheres properly without melting off.

Best Side Dishes for Blood Orange Loaf Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Blood Orange Loaf Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some wonderful options:

1. Greek Yogurt: Its creamy texture and slight tang complement the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
2. Coconut Sorbet: A refreshing sorbet provides a tropical twist that pairs well with citrus flavors.
3. Mint Salad: A simple salad of fresh mint leaves dressed in honey adds brightness and enhances the fruity notes of the loaf.
4. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the cake brings richness that contrasts nicely with the orange zest.
5. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti provide texture variety and are perfect for dipping into coffee alongside the cake.
6. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts slightly over warm slices of loaf cake, creating an indulgent dessert experience.
7. Fruit Compote: A homemade compote made from seasonal fruits can add another layer of flavor and moisture when served alongside the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and avoiding common mistakes is key to perfecting your Blood Orange Loaf Cake.

• Skipping the Zest: Failing to include blood orange zest can lead to a less flavorful cake. Always remember to zest the oranges before juicing them for maximum flavor.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can make your cake dense. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the rise and texture of your loaf. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Not Cooling Properly: Removing the cake too early may cause it to crumble. Allow it to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.
• Ignoring Storage Tips: Not storing properly can dry out your cake. Always wrap it tightly or store in an airtight container.
• Skipping the Soak Step: Neglecting to soak your cake with syrup may result in a drier texture. This step enhances moisture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Wrap slices individually for easy access.

Freezing Blood Orange Loaf Cake

• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil for added protection.

Reheating Blood Orange Loaf Cake

• Oven: Preheat oven to 160C/320F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each slice on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a covered skillet on low heat, warming gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore answers to some common questions about making Blood Orange Loaf Cake.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Blood Orange Loaf Cake?

Adding extra zest or using freshly squeezed blood orange juice can amplify the citrus flavor.

Can I substitute other flavors in this recipe?

Yes! You can experiment with different citrus fruits like lemon or grapefruit for a unique twist.

What is the best way to serve Blood Orange Loaf Cake?

Serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or icing on top for added sweetness.

How long does Blood Orange Loaf Cake last?

When stored properly, it lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking.

Final Thoughts

This Blood Orange Loaf Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or different glazes. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy its vibrant flavors!