Unbelievably moist and bursting with fresh orange flavor, this delicious and simple orange loaf cake is made with olive oil and yogurt for a healthier and easy to make treat.

This orange layer cake makes an appearance at at least half of our family birthdays. Even my kids request it above chocolate!

We love it so much that I decided to make a lighter version in the form of this orange loaf cake, an everyday snack or dessert that we can enjoy anytime. I’m delighted to say that this version, baked in a simple loaf pan and made with heart-healthy olive oil and yogurt was a huge hit with all who tried it!

My original plan was to drizzle the orange loaf cake with a simple glaze – like with these mandarin orange muffins, for a little extra sweetness, but as I was testing the cake itself, sans glaze, I realized that no-one who tried it, including the kids, missed the glaze at all!

So my preferred way to serve it is with just a light dusting of icing sugar for looks. That said, I’ve included instructions for the optional glaze in the recipe card if you would like to add it.

Why You’ll Love this Orange Loaf Cake Recipe

It’s versatile. We all need one dessert option that is a no-brainer. It should be simple, basic flavors that everyone would enjoy – and on various occasions! While I love making these mini brownies or a classic Quebec sugar pie on special occasions – sometimes a versatile and simple loaf cake is what we all really need!

It’s practically effortless. No need to bring out the mixer. Just gather your ingredients, grab a couple of bowls, and you’re ready to create a delicious orange loaf cake. The ease of this recipe means you can whip it up anytime the craving strikes or when unexpected guests arrive.

It’s melt-in-your-mouth moist. Thanks to the addition of yogurt and olive oil, this orange loaf cake turns out incredibly moist and tender. The yogurt adds a luscious richness while keeping the crumb light and fluffy.

Ingredient Notes

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour provides structure and helps achieve the perfect crumb for this orange loaf cake. Use the spoon and sweep method to measure it correctly, or weigh it.

Yogurt

Choose plain yogurt, preferably full-fat or Greek yogurt, to add moisture and a creamy richness to the cake. It keeps the cake incredibly tender and moist.

Orange Zest

The finely grated zest of an orange is where the magic happens. It infuses the orange loaf cake with bright and fragrant citrus notes.

Make sure you’re not picking any bruised oranges!!

Orange Juice

For an authentic burst of fresh orange flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice, always. it really makes a difference!

Oil

The choice of oil is up to you. Use olive oil for a subtle fruity undertone, or opt for vegetable or canola oil for a more neutral flavor. The oil keeps the cake moist and ensures a tender crumb.

I also prefer to use to olive oil for its health benefits. It’s one of the ingredients that makes this a healthy orange cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan, ensuring all surfaces are well coated to prevent sticking.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. This includes the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, granulated sugar, eggs, orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, and vanilla extract.

4. Pour in the olive oil and stir until it is fully incorporated into the batter.

5. Now gradually add the dry ingredients to the yogurt mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can result in a dense cake.

6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even distribution.

7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.

8. Carefully transfer the cake from the pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust the top of the cake with icing sugar, or drizzle with optional glaze below.

Optional glaze: to add a little extra sweetness to this cake, make a simple icing by combining 1 cup of icing sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice. Stir until you reach a drizzling consistency and pour slowly over the cooled cake. Allow the icing to set before serving.

Tips and Tricks to Make the Perfect Orange Loaf Cake

Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, and accurate measurements play a crucial role in the success of your orange loaf cake. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure precise amounts of flour, sugar, and other ingredients.

Do Not Over-mix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just fully combined. Over-mixing can lead to a dense and tough cake. The goal is to achieve a relatively smooth batter without overworking it. Some small lumps are ok.

Adjust Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your orange loaf cake as it bakes. Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.

Allow Sufficient Cooling Time: Once the cake is baked, it’s essential to let it fully cool. This allows the cake to set. Cooling in the pan for about 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack helps retain moisture and maintain the cake’s structure.

Storage Instructions

At Room Temperature: If you are going to finish the orange loaf cake within a day or two (like my family does), it can be stored at room temperature. Ensure the cake is completely cooled and place it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it in a cool and dry area away from direct sunlight.

Refrigeration: If you want to keep the orange loaf cake for a longer period or if the weather is warm, you can refrigerate it to maintain its freshness. You can refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

Before serving, allow the cake to come to room temperature to restore its soft texture.

Freezing: Ensure the orange loaf cake has completely cooled before freezing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the cake with the date for reference.

The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Note: Avoid freezing the orange loaf cake with any glaze or powdered sugar toppings. Add the glaze or dust with powdered sugar after thawing and just before serving to maintain its freshness and appearance.