Heavenly Blood Orange Yogurt Cake

Featured in: Weekend Chill Plates

This delightful creation is a vibrant, moist cake that beautifully marries the tang of Greek yogurt with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh blood oranges. The batter combines dry ingredients like flour and baking powder with wet elements such as yogurt, sugar, eggs, blood orange zest and juice, vanilla, and melted coconut oil. Baked to golden perfection, it emerges with a tender crumb.

The finishing touch is a luscious, pourable icing made from powdered sugar, blood orange juice, and zest, creating a sweet and tangy glaze. Ideal for a bright dessert, it's easy to prepare and yields a blissful treat perfect for sharing or a special moment. Prepare to enjoy a beautifully balanced citrus cake.

Updated on Sun, 01 Feb 2026 09:59:40 GMT
Freshly baked Heavenly Blood Orange Yogurt Cake with a bright citrus icing drizzle on a wooden board. Save
Freshly baked Heavenly Blood Orange Yogurt Cake with a bright citrus icing drizzle on a wooden board. | williesnack.com

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.

Freshly baked Heavenly Blood Orange Yogurt Cake with a bright citrus icing drizzle on a wooden board. Save
Freshly baked Heavenly Blood Orange Yogurt Cake with a bright citrus icing drizzle on a wooden board. | williesnack.com

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
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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.

A slice of Heavenly Blood Orange Yogurt Cake reveals a moist, tender crumb next to fresh oranges. Save
A slice of Heavenly Blood Orange Yogurt Cake reveals a moist, tender crumb next to fresh oranges. | williesnack.com

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.

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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.

Heavenly Blood Orange Yogurt Cake

Vibrant and moist, this cake blends creamy Greek yogurt with zesty blood oranges, finished with luscious citrus icing.

Prep time
15 min
Time to cook
50 min
Total duration
65 min
Created by Willie Cooper


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Total yield 8 Number of servings

Dietary notes Vegetarian-friendly

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
02 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 3 large eggs, room temperature
04 Zest of 2 blood oranges
05 1/4 cup freshly squeezed blood orange juice
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled

For the Icing

01 Zest of 1 blood orange
02 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
03 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed blood orange juice

How to make it

Step 01

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended. Set aside.

Step 03

Mix Wet Base: In a large bowl, whisk Greek yogurt and sugar until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.

Step 04

Add Eggs and Flavorings: Whisk in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Add blood orange zest, juice, and vanilla extract, mixing well.

Step 05

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix to maintain texture.

Step 06

Fold in Coconut Oil: Slowly fold in the melted coconut oil until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.

Step 07

Pour and Smooth Batter: Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula for even baking.

Step 08

Bake the Cake: Bake for 50 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 09

Cool the Cake: Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.

Step 10

Prepare the Icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, blood orange juice, and zest in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency with additional juice if needed.

Step 11

Ice and Serve: Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the icing evenly over the top. Let set for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tools you'll need

  • 9×5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Zester or microplane

Allergy details

Review ingredients for potential allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains eggs, wheat (gluten), and dairy (Greek yogurt). Coconut oil is used; individuals with tree nut allergies should verify compatibility.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional info is for reference only. For health questions, check with a medical professional.
  • Energy: 250
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Proteins: 4 g