Enhanced Orange Pound Cake

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (2 cups)
• Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups)
• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened)
• Eggs (3 large)
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Fresh orange juice (1/2 cup)
• Orange zest (2 tablespoons)
• Powdered sugar (1 cup (for glaze))
• Fresh orange juice (2-4 tablespoons (for glaze))

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the fresh orange juice and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
6. Gently fold in the fresh orange zest, allowing the vibrant citrus flavor to shine through.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and enough fresh orange juice (start with 2 tablespoons) until you achieve a thick, pourable consistency. Add more orange juice as needed.
11. Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the orange glaze generously over the top.
12. Slice, serve, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this delightful Orange Pound Cake!