Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Moist Texture: The cream cheese keeps the loaf soft and tender.
- Burst of Citrus Flavor: Fresh orange zest and juice pack the loaf and glaze with vibrant flavor.
- Easy to Make: Straightforward steps and simple ingredients make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Versatile: Perfect for brunch, tea-time, or even as a gift during the holidays.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Loaf:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Cream Cheese: Beat in the softened cream cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Orange: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest and fresh orange juice.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth.
- Glaze the Loaf: Once the loaf is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your delicious Orange Cream Cheese Loaf!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20-30 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Addition: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy twist.
- Add Spices: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Orange Loaf: Stir in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a citrus-chocolate combination.
- Lemon Version: Substitute orange zest and juice with lemon for a tangy variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Allow slices to come to room temperature before serving or warm them slightly in the microwave.
- Freezing: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh orange juice offers a brighter and more natural flavor.
2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
3. How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the loaf is done.
4. Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the loaf is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds extra sweetness and flavor.
5. Can I make this loaf gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for best results.
6. Can I use other citrus fruits?
Absolutely! Lemon, lime, or even grapefruit can be used instead of orange.
7. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar texture.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans.
9. What’s the best way to zest an orange?
Use a microplane or fine grater to remove only the outer orange layer, avoiding the bitter white pith.
10. Can I make muffins with this recipe?
Yes, pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
Conclusion
This Orange Cream Cheese Loaf is a citrus lover’s dream—soft, moist, and brimming with fresh orange flavor. The easy glaze takes it to the next level, making it perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and a few quick steps, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy it fresh or make it ahead—it’s equally delicious every time!
Orange Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe
- Total Time: 70-75 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Orange Cream Cheese Loaf, a moist and tender loaf bursting with zesty orange flavor and creamy richness. Topped with a sweet orange glaze, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Easy to make and absolutely irresistible, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add Cream Cheese: Mix in cream cheese until smooth.
- Incorporate Eggs & Orange: Add eggs one at a time, then orange zest and juice.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
- Glaze & Serve: Drizzle glaze over the cooled loaf and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
- For extra moisture, cover the loaf with plastic wrap once cool and let it rest overnight.
- Adjust glaze thickness by varying orange juice quantity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
