Save Brighten up your dessert table with this Heavenly Blood Orange Yogurt Cake. This stunning loaf cake perfectly balances the tangy creaminess of Greek yogurt with the zesty, vibrant brightness of seasonal blood oranges. It's a moist and tender treat finished with a luscious citrus icing that looks just as beautiful as it tastes, making it an ideal centerpiece for any gathering.
Save Using coconut oil instead of butter keeps the crumb incredibly soft, even after a day or two. This recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate the peak of citrus season, turning simple pantry staples and a few ruby-hued oranges into a truly blissful dessert experience.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- Zest of 2 blood oranges
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed blood orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) coconut oil, melted and cooled
- For the Icing
- Zest of 1 blood orange
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed blood orange juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Dry Mix
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: Base
- In a large bowl, whisk Greek yogurt and sugar until smooth and combined.
- Step 4: Flavors
- Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then add blood orange zest, blood orange juice, and vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Combine
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; do not overmix.
- Step 6: Oil
- Gently fold in the melted coconut oil until fully incorporated.
- Step 7: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 8: Cool
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 9: Glaze
- For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, blood orange juice, and zest until smooth and pourable.
- Step 10: Finish
- Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the icing over the top. Let set for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure your eggs are at room temperature so they emulsify properly into the yogurt base. When folding the ingredients together, be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough rather than airy. Always let the cake reach room temperature before applying the icing to ensure it sets properly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you prefer the taste of butter, you can substitute the melted coconut oil with an equal amount of melted unsalted butter. While blood oranges provide a unique flavor and color, this recipe also works beautifully with navel oranges, cara cara oranges, or even lemons for a tart twist.
Serviervorschläge
This cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate the presentation by serving slices with a handful of fresh berries or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. It pairs exceptionally well with a warm cup of herbal tea or a cold glass of milk for a balanced afternoon snack.
Save Whether you're sharing this with friends at a brunch or enjoying a quiet slice with your morning coffee, this Heavenly Blood Orange Yogurt Cake is sure to be a favorite. Its tender crumb and bright citrus notes offer a blissful escape in every bite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use regular oranges instead of blood oranges?
Yes, while blood oranges offer a unique color and subtly different flavor, you can substitute them with navel or Valencia oranges. The result will still be a delicious citrus-infused cake, though the color of the juice and zest will differ.
- → What's the best way to ensure my cake is moist?
Using Greek yogurt and coconut oil contributes significantly to the cake's moist texture. Avoid overmixing the batter after adding dry ingredients, as this can develop gluten and lead to a tougher cake. Also, ensure you don't overbake; remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
- → How long does this cake stay fresh, and how should I store it?
This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For extended freshness, especially in warmer climates, you can refrigerate it, which will keep it delightful for up to 4-5 days. Ensure it's well-covered to prevent drying out.
- → Can I substitute the coconut oil?
Absolutely. If you prefer, melted unsalted butter is an excellent substitute for coconut oil and will provide a rich flavor. Vegetable oil or a neutral oil like canola can also be used, though they might alter the subtle coconut undertone slightly.
- → What can I serve with this cake?
This delightful cake is wonderful on its own. For an extra touch, consider serving it with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries, or a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving also adds elegance.