Gluten-Free Orange Pound Cake
Bright, zesty, and wonderfully moist, this Gluten-Free Orange Pound Cake is a celebration of citrus in every slice. It’s rich yet light, with the perfect crumb and a gorgeous glaze that highlights the fresh orange flavour. Whether you’re enjoying it for afternoon tea, brunch, or just sneaking a slice with your morning coffee, this cake never disappoints.
Pound cake has always held a special place in my heart. There’s something so comforting about its simple, buttery base, no need for fancy fillings or heavy frosting. This cake is all about that soft, dense crumb and that sweet crackly top that forms during baking. And while I’m not usually the biggest fan of icing, I always say yes to a drizzle of citrus glaze on a warm pound cake. It’s just too good.
Over the years, I’ve shared many pound cake recipes like my Gluten-Free Chocolate Pound Cake, Cinnamon Pound Cake, and Marble Pound Cake are already fan favourites. But this Gluten-Free Orange Pound Cake might just be the one I make most often. It’s fresh, it’s flavourful, and it always turns out beautifully.
This recipe is all about using simple ingredients and making them shine. The key to that bold orange flavour? Freshly squeezed orange juice and lots of zest. You really can’t cheat it with bottled juice here, fresh makes all the difference. The natural oils from the zest infuse the cake with so much fragrance and depth that every bite tastes like sunshine.
If you’ve never made a pound cake before, don’t worry it’s incredibly easy. A bit of mixing, a good non-stick loaf tin, and you’re on your way to baking a showstopper. Once cooled, the orange glaze takes it to the next level. It’s sweet, sticky, and just the right contrast to the buttery cake beneath.
Whether you’re making this for a weekend treat or sharing it with guests, this Gluten-Free Orange Pound Cake is a keeper. Trust me once you’ve made it, you’ll want it in your regular baking rotation.
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your delicious creations! Tag me on Instagram @laurasglutenfreekitchenblog – I might even share your post!
Gluten-Free Orange Pound Cake
This Gluten-Free Orange Pound Cake is soft, buttery, and bursting with fresh orange flavour. Perfect with a simple glaze for tea or dessert.
Ingredients
FOR THE GLAZE
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C/Gas mark 4 and grease a 1lb loaf tin.
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In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.
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Sift in the flour and salt and stir well.
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Melt the butter and pour it into the batter.
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Juice and zest the fresh orange and incorporate.
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Pour the batter into the loaf tin and bake for 40 minutes.
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Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing.
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To make your glaze mix the icing sugar and orange juice together and drizzle it over the cake.
Notes
Use fresh oranges – Both the juice and zest are key to the best flavour. Avoid bottled juice for this one.
Room temperature ingredients – Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk (if used) are at room temperature. This helps everything mix evenly and gives the best cake texture.
Don’t overmix – Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense or tough pound cake.
Let it cool in the tin – Pound cake is delicate when hot. Let it cool in the tin for at least 10–15 minutes before turning it out to avoid cracking.
Add-ins – You can add poppy seeds, white chocolate chips, or even chopped pistachios for a twist.
Storing – Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing – This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap slices tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature.
