Bright, zesty, and irresistibly moist — this Lithuanian-style Orange Loaf Cake is like a slice of sunshine in every bite. Featuring a soft, tender crumb and a fragrant citrus glaze, this easy pound cake is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. Perfect with a cup of tea, as a mid-afternoon treat, or a beautiful centerpiece on your Easter dessert table — this orange loaf cake is truly a family favorite that brings the cozy taste of home to any occasion. 🌼

---

🇱🇹 A Taste of Lithuanian Easter Traditions

In Lithuania, no Easter celebration is complete without a dessert table brimming with sweet treats — from delicate cookies and pastries to beautifully crafted cakes. But in one family, it’s the simple orange pound cake that always stole the show. Baked lovingly from Easter through Christmas, this citrusy loaf became a timeless tradition, letting the bright flavors of the orange season linger all year long. 🍊🇱🇹

---

🛒 Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s everything required to whip up this citrusy delight. These are all pantry staples — just make sure your oranges are fresh and juicy!

• 4 large eggs
• 250 g (1¼ cups) granulated sugar or caster sugar
• 120 g (½ cup) canola oil or other neutral vegetable oil (like sunflower oil)
• 125 ml (½ cup) freshly squeezed orange juice (blood oranges work great too!)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 280 g (2¼ cups) all-purpose flour (a.k.a. plain flour)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

For the Glaze:

• 150 g (1⅓ cups) icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 3–4 tbsp fresh orange juice

Optional Decorations:

Candied orange peel, chopped pistachios, dried cranberries, edible flowers, Easter-themed sprinkles, or extra orange zest 🍬🌸

---

👩‍🍳 How to Make Moist Orange Loaf Cake – Step-by-Step

1. Prep the Oven & Pan

Preheat the oven to 340°F (170°C). Grease a 2-lb loaf pan (9x5 inches) and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later.

2. Beat Eggs & Sugar

In a large bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture is pale, thick, and fluffy.

3. Add the Oil

Pour in the oil and beat again until well combined.

4. Add Orange Goodness

Stir in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla bean paste. The kitchen will already smell amazing! 🍊

5. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

6. Combine Gently

Fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Be gentle — overmixing can make the cake dense.

7. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

⚠️ Baking time may vary depending on your oven and pan size. Keep an eye on it during the last 5 minutes!

8. Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then run a butter knife around the edges and lift it out using the parchment sling. Cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.

---

🍊 Make the Orange Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together the icing sugar and 3–4 tbsp of fresh orange juice until smooth and pourable. Adjust the juice to reach your desired consistency — it should drizzle easily but not be too runny.

---

✨ Finishing Touches

Once the cake is fully cooled, spoon or drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Decorate as desired — chopped nuts, dried fruits, zest, or even Easter-themed sprinkles will make this loaf truly festive! 🎉

---

💡 Expert Baking Tips

• Infuse your oil: For an extra citrus punch, gently warm the oil with orange zest and let it sit for 20 minutes (or overnight) before using.
• Room temp ingredients: Ensure your eggs and juice aren’t cold to avoid curdling and to promote even mixing.
• Don’t overmix: Overworking the batter can make the cake heavy. Fold until just combined.
• Test for doneness: Insert a skewer into the center — it should come out clean or with moist crumbs.

---

🧊 Storage & Freezing

• Room temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap for up to 4 days.
• Freezer-friendly: Freeze the unglazed loaf, tightly wrapped in cling film and foil, for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature and glaze before serving.

---

🧰 Equipment Checklist

• 2-lb (9x5 inch) loaf pan
• Electric mixer
• Microplane grater or citrus zester
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls & spatula

---

📌 Why You’ll Love This Lithuanian Orange Loaf Cake

• Quick and easy to make 🍽️
• Packed with real orange flavor 🍊
• Moist and fluffy every time 💛
• Perfect for Easter, brunches, and gifting 🎁
• Beautiful with glaze and toppings ✨

---

Whether you're celebrating spring, bringing a taste of Lithuania to your table, or just craving a moist citrus cake — this Orange Loaf Cake is bound to become a family favorite. Simple, sweet, and full of sunshine 🍰🌞