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