Discover a delightful Eggless Orange Pound Cake, perfect for anyone seeking delicious cake recipes without eggs. This simple recipe creates a moist, citrusy loaf that’s incredibly satisfying and easy for even beginner bakers to master.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- All-purpose flour: You can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.
- Fresh orange zest & juice: Do not use bottled juice; fresh provides the best flavor.
- Yogurt (plain, unsweetened): Dairy-free yogurt works well as a substitute.
- Vegetable oil: Any neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil is fine.
- Baking powder & baking soda: These are crucial for lift in this eggless cake.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup plain unsweetened yogurt
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories per serving: Approximately 280-320 kcal (without glaze)
- Tools Needed: 9×5 inch loaf pan, mixing bowls, whisk, grater.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, ensuring all surfaces are covered. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release for your delicious cake recipes without eggs.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps and the ingredients are evenly distributed for a consistent texture. This step is key for successful cake recipes without eggs.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, yogurt, fresh orange juice, vegetable oil, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Combine until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has started to dissolve. The orange zest provides a vibrant flavor to your eggless pound cake.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake; a few small lumps are perfectly fine in cake recipes without eggs.
5. Bake the Pound Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and springy to the touch.
6. Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Let the pound cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. If making the glaze, whisk powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Variation Ideas:
- Lemon Zest: Substitute orange zest and juice with lemon for a zesty lemon pound cake.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips with the dry ingredients for a sweet treat.
- Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Spiced: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom or cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Eggless Orange Pound Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Why is my eggless cake dry? You might have overmixed the batter or overbaked the cake. Ensure you mix until just combined and check for doneness early.
- Can I use milk instead of yogurt? While possible, yogurt adds moisture and tenderness that milk alone cannot replicate in cake recipes without eggs.
- How can I make this cake gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Can I make this in a different pan? Yes, you can use an 8×8 inch square pan, but adjust baking time (likely less) and check for doneness.
- What if I don’t have fresh oranges? Fresh zest and juice provide the best flavor. If absolutely necessary, you can use bottled orange juice (not from concentrate) but the zest is still recommended for flavor.
- Is this a vegan recipe? If you use dairy-free yogurt, then yes, this can be a vegan cake.