| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 600 | 35g | 20g | 65g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 40g | 2g | 7g | 0.2g |
There is something irresistibly comforting about sinking your teeth into a slice of the Blood Orange Pound Cake. The subtly tangy zest of blood oranges harmonizing perfectly with the buttery-fluffy pound cake is a culinary delight like no other. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that celebrates the heartland’s love for farm-to-table freshness and simplicity.
Where Comfort Meets Health
While we’re on the topic of wholesome and comforting food, it’s fair to highlight that this Blood Orange Pound Cake is not just a treat for your taste buds, but also a nod to mindful eating. Oranges, particularly blood oranges, are loaded with an impressive range of nutrients including, but not limited to, Vitamin C and fiber. This delicious cake lets you enjoy these health benefits in a delightful package.
A Versatile Treat
This cake reminds me of the good old classic Orange Cream Cake with a fun twist of blood oranges. It pairs remarkably well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even just a warm cup of tea or coffee. If you want to make this a complete midwestern experience, serve it as dessert after a hearty beef stew.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you wish to enjoy a slice as breakfast, a teatime snack, or the perfect finish to a family dinner, the Blood Orange Pound Cake seamlessly fits every culinary narrative. Particularly as someone who grew up in the heartland of Nebraska, I see this recipe as a cherished tribute to easygoing, authentic midwestern cooking.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 blood oranges
- 1/2 cup of fresh blood orange juice
- For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons of fresh blood orange juice
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x5x3 loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step Two
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set the mixture aside for later.
Step Three
Using an electric mixer, beat together 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter and 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar until it is light and fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step Four
Add the three large eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
Step Five
Add in the zest of 2 blood oranges and beat until well combined.
Step Six
Gradually add in the flour mixture in three parts alternately with the 1/2 cup of fresh blood orange juice, starting and finishing with the flour.
Step Seven
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step Eight
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by mixing together 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh blood orange juice until smooth.
Step Nine
Turn the cake out onto a wire rack. While the cake is still warm, slowly pour or spoon the glaze over the top. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
