Easy Blood Orange Pound Cake With An Orange Zest Icing Recipe

Nestled in my kitchen, a blood orange pound cake emerges as a vibrant citrus dream waiting to captivate your senses.

Sunlight streams across my marble countertop, highlighting the rich, deep crimson hues of these Mediterranean beauties.

Sweet aromas of zesty oranges mingle with delicate butter notes, promising a sensory adventure.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a dessert that whispers stories of Mediterranean groves and cozy afternoon gatherings.

Soft, tender crumbs promise a delightful texture that melts effortlessly on your palate.

Each slice promises a burst of bright, tangy flavors balanced by a luxurious, buttery foundation.

Let this decadent cake transport you to a world of pure culinary bliss.

Variations to Refresh Blood Orange Pound Cake

• Lemon Lover's Version: Replace blood orange zest and juice with fresh lemon zest and lemon juice for a tangy citrus alternative that brightens the cake's flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this delectable dessert.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter and cream cheese, and substitute with plant-based alternatives to create a rich, creamy cake suitable for dairy-free diets.
• Almond Citrus Variation: Incorporate almond extract alongside orange zest and add sliced almonds on top for a nutty, aromatic enhancement to the classic pound cake recipe.

Pairing Ideas to Match Blood Orange Pound Cake

• Create a sparkling cocktail using blood orange juice, champagne, and a hint of elderflower liqueur to complement the cake's bright, zesty flavors.
• Brew a delicate Earl Grey tea with lavender notes that will enhance the cake's subtle citrus undertones and provide a sophisticated drinking experience.
• Prepare a light, creamy mascarpone whipped cream with a touch of vanilla to serve alongside the pound cake, adding richness and balancing the cake's tanginess.
• Garnish the plate with homemade candied orange segments to intensify the citrus profile and add a delightful textural contrast to the soft pound cake.

Storage Advice to Keep Pound Cake Fresh

• Store the pound cake in an airtight container wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate citrus flavor.
• Wrap the entire unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the icing.
• Cut the cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.

FAQs

• What makes blood oranges different from regular oranges?

Blood oranges have a deep red, almost burgundy flesh and a unique berry-like flavor compared to traditional orange varieties, offering a more complex and slightly tart taste profile.

• Can I use regular oranges if blood oranges aren't available?

Yes, you can substitute regular oranges for blood oranges, though the cake will have a less vibrant color and slightly different flavor intensity.

• How do I know if my pound cake is fully baked?

Insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean without wet batter, the cake is done baking. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Blood Orange Pound Cake with Zesty Orange Icing

• Bake a Burst of Citrus Flavor: This blood orange pound cake delivers a vibrant, tangy twist that transforms an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary treat with its unique citrus profile.
• Master a Showstopping Dessert: Perfect for bakers looking to elevate their skills, this recipe offers a professional-looking result that impresses guests without requiring advanced pastry techniques.
• Create a Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for brunch gatherings, afternoon tea, or elegant dinner parties, this cake adapts beautifully to multiple occasions and brings a touch of sophistication to any table.
• Customize with Ease: The optional food coloring and garnish choices allow personal creativity, letting home bakers put their own signature spin on this delightful dessert.

Ingredients to Bake Blood Orange Pound Cake

• Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy ingredient that adds moisture and density to the pound cake.
• Butter: Provides a classic rich flavor and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its soft, delicate crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help the cake rise and maintain structure.

• Blood Orange Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy aroma and intense orange flavor to the cake.
• Blood Orange Juice: Provides additional moisture and a subtle tangy taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.
• Food Coloring: Optional ingredient for adding a vibrant color to the cake.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient for the pound cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Confectioner's Sugar, Orange Juice, Blood Orange Zest: Creates a sweet and tangy glaze that complements the cake's citrus flavor.

How to Prepare Blood Orange Pound Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn the oven to 325°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for baking your delightful cake.

Step 2: Whip Up The Base

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Sugar

Gently add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 3: Infuse Citrus Magic

• Blood orange zest
• Blood orange juice
• Vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry

Slowly incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, adding one cup at a time.

Mix just until the flour disappears into the batter.

Step 6: Prepare And Bake

Grease a bundt pan generously with butter or baking spray.

Pour the batter into the pan and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour, checking doneness by inserting a knife into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Let the cake rest in the pan for a few minutes. Carefully remove and transfer to a cooling rack, allowing it to cool completely.

Step 8: Drizzle With Citrus Glaze

• Confectioner's sugar
• Orange juice
• Blood orange zest

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Optional: Garnish with fresh orange slices for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Tips to Nail Blood Orange Pound Cake Flavors

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and a tender crumb.
• Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour to prevent a tough, dense cake texture.
• Zest the blood oranges before juicing for maximum flavor and vibrant citrus notes.
• Line the bundt pan with parchment paper for easier cake removal and clean release.
• Adjust the icing consistency by adding more juice or powdered sugar to achieve desired thickness.

Blood Orange Pound Cake With An Orange Zest Icing Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful blood orange pound cake showcases citrus flavors with an elegant orange zest icing. Moist crumb and tangy glaze promise a sophisticated dessert that will charm guests and satisfy sweet cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1½ cups unsalted butter, softened
• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups sugar
• 6 eggs, at room temperature
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• zest of 4 to 5 blood oranges (or more to taste)
• 3 tbsp fresh blood orange juice
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 to 6 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
• 1 tbsp butter or baking spray (for the bundt cake pan)
• 1½ cups confectioner’s sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• zest of 1 blood orange
• blood orange slices, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and warm to 325°F, ensuring an even temperature distribution.
2. Using a stand mixer, whip cream cheese, butter, and sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency with soft peaks.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, homogeneous batter.
4. Infuse the mixture with vibrant blood orange zest, fresh blood orange juice, vanilla extract, and optional food coloring for enhanced visual appeal.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender crumb.
7. Prepare a bundt pan by generously coating with butter or baking spray to prevent sticking.
8. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula and creating a smooth surface.
9. Bake for approximately 60 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure uniform browning.
10. Test cake doneness by inserting a thin knife or skewer into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
11. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
12. For the glaze, whisk confectioner’s sugar with orange juice and zest until a silky, pourable consistency is achieved.
13. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
14. Optional: Garnish with delicate blood orange segments for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth, even mixing that creates a fluffier cake texture.
• Use fresh blood oranges for maximum vibrant flavor and natural color intensity, avoiding artificial food coloring whenever possible.
• Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour to prevent a tough, dense cake – stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just incorporated.
• For gluten-sensitive diets, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cake’s delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 452 kcal
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 212 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg