Blood Orange Loaf Cake

Blood Orange Loaf Cake is a delightful treat that perfectly combines the bright, tangy flavors of blood oranges with a moist and tender crumb. This cake is not only ideal for special occasions like birthdays and brunches but also makes an excellent everyday dessert. Its vibrant color and refreshing taste make it a standout choice for any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright Flavor: The use of blood orange juice and zest adds a unique citrus flavor that is both sweet and tart.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the cream and oil, this loaf cake remains incredibly moist, ensuring every slice is delicious.
• Versatile Decoration: You can enjoy this cake plain or dress it up with a chocolate cream or glaze for special occasions.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, baking this loaf cake is straightforward, even for beginners.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut into 12 pieces, it’s great for gatherings or as a gift for friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Blood Orange Loaf Cake, you’ll need a few essential tools. Make sure you have everything ready before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Loaf Pan: A good quality 2lb loaf pan ensures even baking and helps maintain the shape of the cake.
• Stand Mixer: Using a stand mixer or electric whisk allows you to achieve the light texture needed for the batter without much effort.
• Sifter: Sifting dry ingredients prevents lumps and ensures they are evenly mixed into the batter.

Ingredients

Blood Orange Loaf Cake

Ingredients:
– 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
– 50 g Sugar
– 100 g Icing/Powdered Sugar
– Lemon Juice
– Blood Orange Juice
– 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

Preheat your oven to 160C/320F (Non-fan Assisted). Lightly grease your 2lb loaf tin with butter and coat it with flour by tapping out any excess. This will help prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, massage the blood orange zest into the caster sugar for about one minute. This releases essential oils from the zest. Then, add the whole eggs and whisk using a stand mixer or electric hand whisk on medium speed for about three minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes paler in color.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the double cream into your egg mixture and whisk again until combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Remove your bowl from the mixer. Scrape off any zest stuck to the whisk back into your batter. Sift in your cake flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Gently fold them in by hand until just combined.

Step 5: Mix in Oil

Gently whisk in the neutral oil until you achieve a smooth batter without overmixing.

Step 6: Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf tin. Pipe a thin line of soft butter down the center of the batter before placing it in the oven. Bake for approximately 65–75 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Prepare Syrup While Baking

While your cake bakes, combine additional sugar with blood orange juice in a saucepan over medium heat until dissolved. Set aside once ready.

Step 8: Soak the Cake

Once baked, remove your loaf from its tin. Poke holes all over its surface using a skewer. Soak it generously with syrup using a brush while it’s still warm. Wrap tightly in cling film and chill overnight to enhance its texture.

Step 9: Optional Cream Preparation

If you intend to decorate with chocolate cream, stir powdered vegan gelatin with cold water in a small bowl; let it sit for five minutes.

Step 10: Create Chocolate Mixture

In another saucepan, heat milk with glucose until simmering; remove from heat then stir in bloomed vegan gelatin until dissolved.

Step 11: Combine Chocolate Mixture

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

Step 12: Add Cold Cream

Incorporate cold double cream into your chocolate mixture by blending well or whisking if you lack a blender.

Step 13: Chill Mixture

Transfer to a bowl; cover with clingfilm directly on surface then refrigerate overnight to set.

Step 14: Create Glaze

Sift icing sugar into another bowl; mix in lemon juice gradually until thick yet spreadable—add blood orange juice for color as desired.

Step 15: Glaze Cake

Once chilled, remove your cake from refrigeration. Brush glaze evenly across its surface then briefly return it to oven at low heat just to set glaze before allowing it to cool completely at room temperature.

Final Note:

If opting for chocolate namelaka decoration instead of glaze, simply whip it up using a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment until medium stiff peaks form before piping onto cooled cake.

Enjoy making this delicious Blood Orange Loaf Cake! Its stunning look and incredible flavor will surely impress everyone who gets to taste it!

How to Serve Blood Orange Loaf Cake

Blood Orange Loaf Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve it plain, with a glaze, or alongside other treats, it’s sure to impress. Here are some tasty serving suggestions.

With Whipped Cream

• Freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the cake’s richness beautifully.

With Fresh Berries

• A handful of mixed berries like strawberries or raspberries provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the loaf cake.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A rich chocolate sauce enhances the flavors of the blood orange and adds an indulgent touch.

Topped with Citrus Glaze

• A simple citrus glaze made from lemon and blood orange juice can brighten up each slice and add an extra zing.

Served Warm

• Gently reheating slices in the microwave for a few seconds makes the cake even more comforting and delicious.

With Tea or Coffee

• Pairing your Blood Orange Loaf Cake with a warm cup of tea or coffee creates a delightful afternoon treat.

How to Perfect Blood Orange Loaf Cake

Getting your Blood Orange Loaf Cake just right can make all the difference. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh blood oranges: Fresh fruit offers vibrant flavor and aroma compared to bottled juices.

• Don’t skip the zest: The zest adds essential oils that enhance the cake’s taste, making it more aromatic.

• Measure ingredients accurately: Precise measurements ensure the proper texture and flavor balance. Use a kitchen scale if possible.

• Allow cooling time: Letting the cake cool in the tin for a while helps maintain its structure and prevents breaking.

• Store properly: Wrap any leftover slices in plastic wrap to keep them moist and fresh for longer.

• Experiment with flavors: Add spices like cardamom or cinnamon for an interesting twist on this classic recipe.

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 excellent options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream balances the citrus notes beautifully while adding richness.

2. Yogurt Parfait: A yogurt parfait layered with granola and fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the cake’s sweetness.

3. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut macaroons add texture and sweetness, complementing the loaf cake’s flavors nicely.

4. Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad with seasonal fruits keeps things light and refreshing after indulging in cake.

5. Cheese Plate: A selection of soft cheeses pairs well, providing savory notes that contrast with sweet elements of the cake.

6. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea enhance the flavors of blood orange, making it an ideal drink choice alongside your cake.

7. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent bites add elegance and pair well with both chocolate and citrus notes in the loaf cake.

8. Lemon Sorbet: A scoop of lemon sorbet brings a tartness that refreshes your palate after enjoying each slice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Blood Orange Loaf Cake, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the zesting step: Not adding blood orange zest means missing out on essential flavor. Make sure to zest the oranges before juicing them for the best taste.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined to maintain lightness in the loaf.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs and cream can affect how well they combine. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
• Not testing for doneness: If you skip testing with a skewer, you risk underbaking or overbaking. Always check that it comes out clean before removing from the oven.
• Ignoring cooling time: Removing the cake too soon from the tin might cause it to break. Allow it to cool properly in the tin for a while before transferring.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Blood Orange Loaf Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3–5 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure it is completely cooled before wrapping or sealing.

Freezing Blood Orange Loaf Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Blood Orange Loaf Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 160C/320F, place on a baking tray, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat slice by slice for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm each side for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Adding extra zest or using fresh blood orange juice will intensify the citrus flavor. You might also consider adding spices like cardamom or vanilla for depth.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based cream alternatives. The result will still be delicious!

What should I serve with Blood Orange Loaf Cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a fruit compote. Enjoy it as a dessert or afternoon treat!

How can I customize my Blood Orange Loaf Cake?

You can add nuts like walnuts or almonds, or mix in chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. Feel free to swap out blood oranges with other citrus fruits!

Final Thoughts

The Blood Orange Loaf Cake is not just visually stunning but also bursting with vibrant flavors that delight the palate. Its versatility allows you to experiment with various toppings and fillings, making it perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try your hand at this recipe; its customization options will surely inspire creativity in your kitchen!