Blood Orange Loaf Cake

Blood Orange Loaf Cake is a delightful treat that brings a burst of citrus flavor to any occasion. This cake is perfect for gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply as a sweet end to your meal. Its vibrant color and unique taste make it stand out, while the moist texture ensures everyone will be coming back for seconds. Enjoy a slice with friends, family, or just treat yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of blood orange zest and juice creates a refreshing taste that elevates this loaf cake.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it plain, with a glaze, or topped with rich chocolate cream for added indulgence.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a brunch, birthday party, or holiday gathering, this cake fits right in.
• Moist and Tender Texture: Chilling the cake overnight improves its texture, resulting in a deliciously moist slice.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or electric hand whisk
• 2lb loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Sifter
• Measuring scales
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or electric hand whisk: Ensures that your batter is mixed thoroughly and evenly for the best rise.
• Loaf pan: Provides the perfect shape and size for baking this delightful cake.
• Sifter: Helps incorporate air into dry ingredients, resulting in a lighter cake texture.

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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

For the Glaze

• 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 and coat the inside with 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 in the eggs. Using a stand mixer or electric hand whisk, whisk together for 3 minutes on medium speed until thicker and paler in consistency.

Step 3: Add Cream and Dry Ingredients

Pour in the cream and whisk again until combined. Remove from mixer and scrape off any zest stuck to the whisk back into the batter. Sift in dry ingredients gently by hand.

Step 4: Incorporate Oil

Whisk in oil just until you have a smooth batter. Pour this mixture into your greased loaf tin.

Step 5: Bake

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 bake time may vary based on your tin.

Step 6: Prepare Syrup

While baking, boil syrup ingredients together until sugar dissolves; set aside.

Step 7: Soak Cake

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

Step 8: Make Chocolate Cream (Optional)

In a small bowl, stir together powdered vegan gelatin with cold water; let sit for 5 minutes. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk and glucose; once hot add bloomed gelatin to dissolve.

Step 9: Combine Chocolate

Slowly pour hot milk over melted chocolate in three additions while stirring vigorously with a spatula until smooth. Blend cold cream to combine.

Step 10: Prepare Glaze

Sift icing sugar into a bowl; whisk in enough lemon juice to create thick glue-like consistency starting with juice from about half a lemon. Add blood orange juice for color; glaze should be slightly runny.

Step 11: Final Touches

Remove cake from fridge and paint glaze all over outside; place on baking tray in oven for just 1-2 minutes to set glaze. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.

This delicious Blood Orange Loaf Cake is sure to impress! Enjoy every slice!

How to Serve Blood Orange Loaf Cake

Blood Orange Loaf Cake is a delightful treat that pairs well with various accompaniments. Whether you enjoy it as a dessert or a snack, serving it with the right sides can enhance its flavor and presentation.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries can add a burst of color and natural sweetness to your cake plate.

Add Whipped Cream

• A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can provide a creamy contrast to the zesty flavors of the cake.

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side offers a refreshing and creamy element that balances the citrus notes beautifully.

Drizzle with Citrus Glaze

• A simple glaze made from icing sugar and lemon juice will add extra sweetness and a glossy finish to your slices.

Accompany with Herbal Tea

• A warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, complements the flavors of blood orange wonderfully.

Garnish with Zest

• Sprinkle some additional blood orange zest over each slice for an eye-catching garnish that intensifies the citrus aroma.

How to Perfect Blood Orange Loaf Cake

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

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh blood oranges will provide the best flavor, so choose ripe ones for zesting and juicing.
• Measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, to achieve the right texture.
• Avoid overmixing: Gently fold in dry ingredients to prevent developing gluten, which can make the cake dense.
• Check doneness properly: Use a skewer inserted into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
• Cool completely: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool entirely. This helps maintain its moisture.
• Store wisely: Keep leftover cake wrapped tightly in cling film at room temperature to retain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Blood Orange Loaf Cake

Complement your Blood Orange Loaf Cake with these delicious side dishes that enhance its vibrant flavors.

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with honey and granola for a creamy texture that balances sweetness.
2. Citrus Salad: Combine segments of blood orange and other citrus fruits tossed in honey for a refreshing side dish.
3. Nut Mix: An assortment of almonds, walnuts, and pistachios adds crunch and pairs well with sweet cakes.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which contrast nicely with the tanginess of blood orange.
5. Fruit Smoothie: Blend frozen berries with almond milk for a fruity drink that complements the loaf’s citrus notes.
6. Chia Seed Pudding: Serve chilled chia pudding infused with vanilla or citrus for a healthy dessert option.
7. Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars can be served alongside for an easy snack option packed with flavor.
8. Honey Drizzled Pancakes: Light pancakes drizzled with honey create an indulgent breakfast pairing that elevates your meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Blood Orange Loaf Cake, it’s easy to overlook some details that can impact the final result. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Always use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. This ensures your cake has the right texture and taste.

• Skipping the zest – Blood orange zest is crucial for flavor. Don’t skip this step; it adds depth and richness to your cake.

• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to a dense loaf. Stir just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.

• Ignoring the oven temperature – An incorrect oven temperature can ruin your cake. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking conditions.

• Not letting the cake cool properly – Allowing the cake to cool in the tin may cause sogginess. Remove it promptly and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Blood Orange Loaf Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Blood Orange Loaf Cake

• Wrap individual slices or whole loaves tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Blood Orange Loaf Cake

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 150C/300F, wrap the cake in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat a slice on medium power for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes per side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Blood Orange Loaf Cake:

Can I substitute other citrus fruits?

Yes! You can use lemon, lime, or any other citrus zest and juice for different flavors while maintaining texture.

How long does Blood Orange Loaf Cake last?

When stored properly, it stays fresh up to 5 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

You can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly, making it denser.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This recipe isn’t vegan as it contains eggs and cream. However, you can experiment with egg replacers and plant-based creams.

How do I make the glaze thicker?

Add more icing sugar gradually until you achieve your desired consistency while whisking well after each addition.

Final Thoughts

Blood Orange Loaf Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Its vibrant flavor makes it perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Feel free to customize with different fruits or glazes to suit your taste. Enjoy baking this delightful treat!