This Glazed Blood Orange Loaf is refreshing and divinely citrusy! This loaf cake is moist and delicious and perfect for blood orange season!
It’s blood orange season friends, and I’ve made us something special! I know we’re supposed to be all about the New Year’s resolutions, you know, slimming down, cutting out all those tasty snacks and bulking up on the fruits and veggies and all, but I thought we deserved a little treat. And since I incorporated a fruit into this little treat, it’s not like we’re really cheating! Don’t you agree? I hope so because this Glazed Blood Orange Loaf is divinely citrusy, refreshing and the perfect reward for all those grueling hours running on the treadmill. Alright, I’m lying. I wasn’t on the treadmill for hours. It just seemed like hours!
Blood orange season runs from December to May, so it’s time to get your blood orange game on. If you’ve never tried blood oranges you really need to give them a go. They’re tart and sweet and their color is just gorgeous! They can vary from a deep pink to a brilliant red and at this time of year that color has me dreaming of the warm, sunny days of summer! These beauties are rich in Vitamin C which helps boost your immune system and that’s something we all need during the winter season. Citrus fruits are also a great source of fiber which helps lower cholesterol.
Keep up the good work with those New Year’s resolutions friends! Reward yourself! Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- zest of one blood orange
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh blood orange juice
- Glaze ingredients:
- 1 cup confectioner's sugar
- 3 Tbsp. fresh blood orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Spray parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and zest of one blood orange.
- In a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, cream butter and sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time and continue to mix on low speed until combined.
- Add the vanilla.
- Slowly add half the flour mixture, then the fresh juice, then the remainder of the flour mixture.
- Mix until smooth.
- Pour into prepared pan, smooth top and bake for 60-65 minutes or until tester inserted in center comes out almost clean.
- Cool cake in pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
- Whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth.
- Remove cake from pan. Pour glaze over warm cake. Let stand until set, about 10-15 minutes.
Cakespy
It’s simply gorgeous, and I bet it tastes just as good. <3
Mary Ann
Thanks so much Jessie! Enjoy your week!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
I’ve been so excited since I saw thr first blood orange of the season at my market! This loaf is a FABULOUS way to use those gorgeous oranges! To me, healthy is all about balance. And not depriving myself. So trust me when I say, I won’t be denying myself this loaf of YUM!! I’ll probably eat the whole dang thing in one sitting! Pinned! Cheers, Mary Ann!!
Mary Ann
Thanks Cheyanne! I always look forward to seeing them at the market too. The color is just gorgeous. I’ve also whipped up some blood orange curd that’s so yummy too! Have a fabulous week!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
Blood oranges have just arrived in the markets here, as well, and I’m currently plotting ways to use them. Love your loaf! That glaze colour is so, so pretty :)
Mary Ann
Just finished some blood orange curd too Jennifer! Yes, that color! Love it!
Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet
I am always awestruck by the color of blood oranges. They are such a beautiful creation! Love this beautiful loaf, too. Delicious!
Mary Ann
Thanks Lauren! I LOVE the color too!
Cathy
Oh Mary Ann! I love that gorgeous glaze. I think we all deserve a slice of this with our afternoon coffee, treadmill or not!
Mary Ann
Agreed! Have an awesome week Cathy!
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry
I just bought some blood oranges the other day! I was gonna make a cheesecake with them, but this recipe sounds too good to miss.
Mary Ann
Great Nicole! Enjoy!
Gerlinde | Sunnycovechef
My girlfriend just told me that her tree has a lot of blood oranges and we decided to make marmelade together but we need something to nourish us and your cake fits the bill. It looks delicious . Have a wonderful week my friend. ?
Mary Ann
Marmalade sounds wonderful Gerlinde! I also made some blood orange curd! Delish! You have a fabulous week too!
Gerlinde | Sunnycovechef
I would love to get the recipe for the curd.
Mary Ann
Will do! It’s so yummy and the most gorgeous color pink!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland
I will HAPPILY run an extra mile or two on the treadmill for a slice of this gorgeous cake!!
Mary Ann
That a girl Sue!!
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen
Mary Ann – I’m a big fan of citrus in cakes. It brightens up the flavor of cake so well. So I’d love a big slice of this cake – a perfect afternoon pick me up with a cup of tea. Love the pink glaze too!
Mary Ann
Then you are really going to love this cake Geraldine! It’s really refreshing and perfect with a cup of tea! Have a wonderful week!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes)
This loaf is absolutely stunning. I want a slice right this second.
Mary Ann
Thanks so much Jocelyn!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks
Heck with resolutions and treadmills! I need this loaf in my life! Just that pink color alone is enough to make me bail on resolutions and dive into this deliciousness!
Mary Ann
I like the way you think Rachelle!!
Jessica DeMay
This glazed loaf looks amazing!! Such a great winter treat. Your pictures are amazing!! The one of the orange makes me want to reach right through the screen and grab it :) Adding this to my baking list!
Mary Ann
Thanks Jessica! You’re so sweet!
Wendy
OMG Thank You!! This looks SO yummy…can’t wait to try!
Mary Ann
Anytime Wendy! Hope you enjoy it and thanks so much for the comment!
Emily | Gather & Dine
I love blood oranges so much during this season! That glaze is so pretty and festive and this loaf is such a fun winter treat. Hope your weekend is wonderful!
Mary Ann
Thanks Emily! I hope yours is as well!
Zainab
I get so excited for blood orange season. Heck, for citrus season :) Love this loaf!!
Mary Ann
Me too Zainab! I can’t get enough!