Layered Citrus Pound Cake with Orange Glaze
A moist pound cake infused with bright citrus flavors and topped with a shiny, tangy orange glaze for a refreshing dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 90 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup, softened unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt; set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 2 tbsp orange zest.
- Step 4: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and 1/2 cup whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, mixing gently after each addition until just combined.
- Step 5: Pour batter into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: While the cake bakes, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 1/4 cup fresh orange juice until smooth to make the glaze.
- Step 7: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm cake and allow to set before slicing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Layered Citrus Pound Cake with Orange Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (20 min prep + 70 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Layered Citrus Pound Cake with Orange Glaze?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Layered Citrus Pound Cake with Orange Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Layered Citrus Pound Cake with Orange Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Layered Citrus Pound Cake with Orange Glaze?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
