Ina Garten’s Zesty Orange Pound Cake Recipe – Sweet Perfection

Orange pound cake represents a zesty, moist culinary delight that transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary sensory experience.

Traditional baking methods merge with bright citrus notes, creating a rich and tender crumb that melts on your tongue.

The recipe balances sweet and tangy flavors, promising a sophisticated dessert that elevates any gathering.

Dense yet delicate, this cake captures the essence of comfort and elegance in each slice.

Carefully selected ingredients contribute to its remarkable texture and complex flavor profile.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike appreciate the nuanced approach to crafting this classic dessert.

Your kitchen will soon radiate with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked goodness: prepare to delight everyone at the table.

What’s to Love About Ina Garten’s Orange Pound Cake

• Burst with Citrusy Brightness: This pound cake explodes with vibrant orange zest, delivering a sunny, refreshing flavor that dances across your taste buds and brings instant joy to every bite.
• Incredibly Moist Texture Delight: The combination of sour cream and careful mixing technique ensures an ultra-tender, velvety cake that stays wonderfully soft and never feels dry or crumbly.
• Simple Gourmet Magic: Despite looking like a sophisticated dessert, this recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for home bakers wanting to create something impressive without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or elegant dessert, this orange pound cake works beautifully for casual family gatherings or more formal celebrations, appealing to both kids and adults with its bright, comforting flavors.

Orange Pound Cake Ingredients You’ll Need

• All-Purpose Flour: Fine, soft flour that provides structure and texture to the pound cake, with consistent quality and no lumps.
• Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Helps with browning and provides additional lift to the cake.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender, moist texture.
• Butter: Provides richness, flavor, and helps create a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture and structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cake's flavor profile.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a tender, soft texture in the cake.

• Orange Zest: Provides bright, intense citrus flavor and aromatic essence to the cake.
• Orange Juice: Creates a sweet and tangy syrup that moistens and enhances the cake's flavor.

How to Nail Ina Garten’s Orange Pound Cake

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Pan

Warm the oven to 325°F. Coat a 10-inch tube pan with butter and flour, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Baking soda

Set the mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Create A Fluffy Base

• Sugar
• Butter

Beat until light and airy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and fresh orange zest.

Step 4: Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Start and end with flour mixture. Mix until just smooth, avoiding overmixing.

Step 5: Bake The Cake

Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool The Cake

Remove cake from oven. Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Citrusy Syrup

• Orange juice
• Sugar
• Orange zest

Boil until the mixture becomes syrupy. Remove from heat and whisk in butter gradually.

Step 8: Finish And Serve

Drizzle warm orange syrup over cooled cake slices. Serve and enjoy the burst of citrus flavor!

Baking Tips for a Fluffy Orange Pound Cake

• Soften Ingredients Strategically: Let eggs, butter, and milk sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to create a perfectly smooth and well-blended batter.
• Gentle Mixing Matters: Fold ingredients with a light hand, stopping the mixer as soon as dry and wet components are just combined to preserve the cake's delicate, tender texture.
• Pan Size Precision: Measure your baking pan carefully and adjust cooking time accordingly, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted near the center.
• Zest Like a Pro: Use a microplane or fine grater to capture maximum orange flavor without bitter white pith when removing citrus zest.
• Cooling Technique: Allow the pound cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes after baking, then transfer to a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms and ensure a crisp exterior.

Store Ina Garten’s Pound Cake the Right Way

• Freezer Method: Individually wrap each cake slice in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label the package with the date and contents. Frozen slices maintain peak flavor and texture for up to 3 months, making it perfect for future sweet cravings.
• Refrigeration Method: Place cake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator's coolest section to preserve moisture and prevent drying. Consume within 5 days for optimal taste and freshness.
• Room Temperature Method: For short-term storage, keep the cake in a sealed container at room temperature. Protect from direct sunlight and heat sources. Best enjoyed within 2-3 days, ensuring the cake remains moist and delicious.

Flavorful Variations to Try with Orange Pound Cake

• Citrus Lover's Remix: Replace orange zest with a combination of lemon and lime zest for a multi-citrus flavor profile that brightens the entire cake.
• Mediterranean Inspiration: Incorporate chopped pistachios into the batter and use almond extract alongside vanilla for a nutty, aromatic Mediterranean-style pound cake.
• Lavender Sunshine: Add dried culinary lavender to the batter and substitute some orange juice with honey in the syrup, creating a floral and sweet variation that evokes summer gardens.
• Spiced Warmth Variation: Blend ground cardamom and a pinch of nutmeg into the dry ingredients, giving the pound cake a warm, sophisticated spice undertone that complements the citrus notes.

Wrapping Things Up with This Citrus Classic

Ina Garten’s orange pound cake transports palates to citrus-kissed paradise with its luxurious texture and zesty charm.

Layers of orange essence weave through each tender crumb, creating a dessert that whispers sophisticated comfort.

Delicate notes of vanilla and bright citrus dance across taste buds in harmonious celebration.

Classic baking techniques merge with bold flavor profiles, making this recipe a culinary masterpiece.

Home bakers can effortlessly craft this elegant treat that rivals professional bakery confections.

Passionate cooks, share this sunshine-infused dish, spark conversations about its irresistible allure, and inspire fellow baking enthusiasts to explore Garten’s delightful recipe.