Are you ready to delight your taste buds with a slice of citrusy heaven? Look no further than this Orange Cream Cheese Loaf recipe! Bursting with bright orange flavor and a creamy texture, this loaf is the perfect treat for any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the delightful world of orange-infused goodness!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (1 package), softened
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- Zest of 1 orange
- Topping: ¼ cup orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, butter, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined.
- Stir in the orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the loaf is still warm, poke several holes in the top with a toothpick or skewer.
- Drizzle the orange juice over the top of the loaf, allowing it to soak in.
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Glaze: For an extra burst of orange flavor, you can make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with orange juice and drizzling it over the cooled loaf.
- Nuts: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch and texture.
- Citrus Variation: Experiment with different citrus fruits such as lemon or lime zest for a unique twist on this recipe.
- Cream Cheese Filling: For an extra creamy filling, swirl softened cream cheese into the batter before baking.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe? A: While you can use low-fat cream cheese, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the loaf. Full-fat cream cheese will yield a richer and creamier result.
Q: Can I use orange extract instead of orange zest? A: Yes, you can substitute orange extract for the orange zest. Start with 1-2 teaspoons of orange extract and adjust to taste.
Q: Can I make this loaf ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the loaf ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the loaf for longer storage.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version of this Orange Cream Cheese Loaf, you can substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour and use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of sugar. You can also use unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk.
Low-Carb Version
For a low-carb version, follow the instructions for the keto version and reduce the amount of sweetener used. You can also add in additional orange zest for extra flavor without adding extra carbs.
Say goodbye to bland and boring loaves and hello to a burst of citrusy goodness with this Orange Cream Cheese Loaf recipe. Whether you’re a citrus lover or just looking for a new twist on a classic treat, this recipe is sure to impress. With its moist and tender crumb, creamy texture, and bright orange flavor, this loaf is perfect for any occasion. So grab your apron and get ready to bake up a slice of sunshine with this delightful recipe!
