Description
This vintage spiced orange syrup loaf is a delightful homemade cake bursting with warm spices and fresh citrus flavors. Moist and tender, it features aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg combined with vibrant orange zest and juice, creating a comforting and nostalgic treat perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 100g unsalted butter
- 200g sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 200ml milk
- Juice of 1 orange
- Zest of 2 oranges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s ready once the batter is prepared.
- Prepare Pan: Grease a loaf pan thoroughly using butter or cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which helps give the loaf a tender texture.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully combine and maintain the batter’s consistency.
- Mix in Liquids and Flavorings: Stir in the milk, fresh orange juice, and orange zest, which infuse the loaf with moisture and citrus aroma.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter and keeping the loaf tender.
- Pour Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the loaf is fully baked.
- Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps set the texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix after adding flour to keep the loaf light and airy.
- The orange zest and juice provide fresh citrus notes that balance the warm spices perfectly.
- This loaf pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- You can dust the cooled loaf with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple orange glaze for extra sweetness.
