Orange Glazed Pound Cake

 

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk

• ¼ cup fresh orange juice

• 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

• 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh orange juice

• 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest

Instructions:

1. Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Generously grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish to keep the cake from sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for now.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow (about 4 to 5 minutes).

4. Add Eggs and Flavor: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and the fresh orange zest.

5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your butter mixture, alternating with the milk and the fresh orange juice. Start and end with the flour mixture, and mix just until everything is combined—do not overmix!

6. Bake: Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted right into the center comes out clean.

7. Make the Glaze: While the cake is baking or slightly cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl until you have a smooth, glossy glaze.

8. Glaze and Serve: While the cake is still warm, pour the sweet orange glaze evenly over the top. Let it set and cool before slicing into squares.