Blood Orange Loaf Cake

Blood Orange Loaf Cake is a delightful treat that brightens up any occasion with its vibrant citrus flavor and moist texture. This cake is perfect for gatherings, afternoon teas, or simply indulging at home. The standout quality of this recipe lies in the unique combination of blood orange zest and juice, which infuses the cake with a refreshing taste that’s both sweet and tangy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright Flavor: The zesty blood orange offers a unique twist to traditional loaf cakes.
• Moist Texture: The use of cream and oil ensures a rich, tender crumb that stays fresh longer.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, glazed, or topped with a decadent chocolate cream.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps allow even beginner bakers to create a stunning dessert.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a celebration or just because, this loaf cake fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make Blood Orange Loaf Cake, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your baking process and help achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or electric hand whisk
• 2lb loaf pan
• Small saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Sifter

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or electric hand whisk: These tools make it easy to achieve fluffy batter by thoroughly incorporating air into the mixture.
• Loaf pan: A sturdy loaf pan provides even baking and helps maintain the shape of your cake.
• Sifter: Sifting dry ingredients eliminates lumps and ensures they mix evenly into the 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 and Glaze

• 50 g Sugar
• 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 your oven to 160C/320F (Non-fan Assisted). Lightly grease a 2lb loaf tin, then coat the inside with flour before tipping out any excess.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a bowl, massage the blood orange zest into the sugar for one minute. Add the eggs next. Using a stand mixer or electric hand whisk, whisk this mixture together on medium speed for about three minutes until it becomes thicker and paler.

Step 3: Incorporate Cream and Dry Ingredients

Pour in the double cream and whisk again. Remove from the mixer, scrape off any zest stuck to the whisk back into the batter. Sift in cake flour, baking powder, and salt; gently whisk these dry ingredients in by hand until combined.

Step 4: Add Oil and Bake

Whisk in neutral oil just until you have a smooth batter. Pour this mixture into the prepared loaf tin. Pipe a thin line of soft butter down the center of the batter. Bake for approximately 65-75 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 5: Prepare Syrup While Baking

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

Step 6: Cool and Soak Cake

After baking, remove your cake from its tin. Poke several holes in it with a skewer. Soak it generously with syrup before wrapping tightly in cling film to chill overnight; this improves texture significantly.

Step 7: Prepare Optional Chocolate Cream

In a small bowl, stir together powdered vegan gelatin with cold water; let it sit for five minutes. In a saucepan over gentle heat, combine milk and glucose until simmering. Stir through bloomed gelatin until dissolved.

Step 8: Mix Chocolate Mixture

Slowly pour hot milk over melted dark chocolate in three additions while stirring vigorously with a spatula until smooth. Blend in cold double cream until fully combined.

Step 9: Glaze Your Cake

Sift icing sugar into another bowl; add lemon juice gradually to achieve thick glue-like consistency. Add fresh blood orange juice for color; it should be slightly runny for glazing.

Step 10: Final Touches

Remove chilled cake from fridge; glaze all over before placing it back in an oven set at low heat for about 1-2 minutes just to set glaze. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Blood Orange Loaf Cake! It’s sure to impress family and friends alike!

How to Serve Blood Orange Loaf Cake

Blood Orange Loaf Cake is a delightful treat that pairs well with various accompaniments. Serving it thoughtfully can enhance its flavors and make it a memorable dessert for any occasion.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of flavor and contrast nicely with the sweetness of the cake.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can provide a creamy texture that complements the citrus notes in the cake.

Accompany with Tea or Coffee

• Enjoying a slice of this loaf cake with a warm cup of tea or coffee enhances the overall experience, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings.

Add a Citrus Glaze

• Drizzling a citrus glaze on top adds an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful finish to your cake presentation.

Include Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or blood orange sorbet can provide a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the cake, creating a delightful dessert duo.

How to Perfect Blood Orange Loaf Cake

Achieving the perfect Blood Orange Loaf Cake requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to elevate your baking skills.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh blood oranges for zest and juice. This ensures vibrant flavor in your cake.
• Measure Accurately: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient amounts, especially for flour and sugar.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold in dry ingredients to maintain the light texture of your cake. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
• Check Doneness Wisely: Use a skewer to test if your cake is done. If it comes out clean, it’s ready; if not, give it more time in the oven.
• Cool Properly: Let your cake cool completely in the tin before transferring it to wire racks. This helps maintain moisture and texture.
• Wrap for Moisture: After cooling, wrap your loaf tightly in cling film before refrigerating. This helps keep it moist and flavorful overnight.

Best Side Dishes for Blood Orange Loaf Cake

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

1. Citrus Salad: A refreshing mix of citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits drizzled with honey enhances the bright flavors of the cake.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a creamy, crunchy contrast that complements the loaf’s texture.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Serve warm chocolate fondue alongside slices of cake for dipping, adding indulgence to your dessert table.
4. Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote made from mixed berries offers a sweet-tart balance that pairs beautifully with the blood orange flavors.
5. Nut Mix: A simple mix of roasted nuts provides crunchiness that contrasts well with the soft texture of the loaf cake while adding healthy fats.
6. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese on your serving board for an unexpected savory twist alongside sweet slices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Blood Orange Loaf Cake a success. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Incorrect measuring of ingredients – Using too much or too little of an ingredient can ruin the cake’s texture. Always use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
• Skipping the zest – The blood orange zest adds essential flavor. Don’t skip this step; ensure you massage it into the sugar properly for maximum aroma.
• Not chilling the cake overnight – This step enhances the texture and flavor. If you cut the cake too soon, it may crumble or taste less vibrant.
• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. Mix just until combined to maintain a light and airy texture.
• Not checking for doneness – Relying solely on bake time can be misleading. Always use a skewer to check for doneness before removing the cake from the oven.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• How long: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Containers: Use an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Freezing Blood Orange Loaf Cake

• How long: The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Containers: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating Blood Orange Loaf Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 160C/320F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently for around 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the Blood Orange Loaf Cake.

What is Blood Orange Loaf Cake?

Blood Orange Loaf Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert made with fresh blood orange juice and zest, creating a unique citrus flavor profile.

Can I use regular oranges instead of blood oranges?

Yes, you can substitute regular oranges if blood oranges are unavailable, but the flavor will differ slightly.

How do I know when my Blood Orange Loaf Cake is done?

The cake is done when a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

What can I serve with Blood Orange Loaf Cake?

This cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream or chocolate namelaka as toppings, enhancing its rich flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or coconut flour, though adjustments may be needed in measurements.

Final Thoughts

The Blood Orange Loaf Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or spices to suit your taste preferences. Try this delightful recipe today!