Orange Creamsicle Loaf Cake

Bright citrus, rich butter, and a tender crumb come together in this old-fashioned orange loaf. Made with fresh orange juice, orange zest, warm butter, and Heritage Baker's Flour, this loaf bakes up soft, fragrant, and lightly sweet with notes of vanilla and almond throughout.

FORAGE BAKER'S NOTES

Flour matters. Gluten-free flour blends—and even wheat flours—can vary widely in weight per cup, which is why we always recommend using a kitchen scale for best results.

If you don't yet own a scale, gently scoop Heritage Baker's Flour into a measuring cup and level with a knife. This method yields approximately 125g per cup. Packing the cup can result in too much flour and a denser baked good. Spooning flour into the cup may under-measure.

Sweeteners matter too. Sweeteners vary just as much and can significantly affect texture. For best results, we recommend Homestead Sweetener or traditional sugar. While substitutions are possible, results may vary. Some alternative sweeteners can produce a softer texture, while others may create a drier, more crumbly result.

• Homestead Sweetener: 140g per cup (1:1 sugar replacement by volume)
• Granulated Sugar: 200g per cup

WORKING THE BATTER
Bring eggs to room temperature by placing them in warm water for several minutes before baking. Melted butter should be warm, not hot, when incorporated. Room-temperature ingredients blend more evenly and help create a smoother crumb. Metal pans brown more readily than glass. Glass pans typically require slightly longer bake times. If using a glass pan, reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Sifting Heritage Baker's Flour can produce a lighter finished texture.

INGREDIENTS

• Makes one 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf
• 2⅓ cups (291g) Heritage Baker's Flour
• 1 cup (140–180g) Homestead Sweetener
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 5 eggs (250g), room temperature
• ⅔ cup (180g) orange juice
• 6 tablespoons (84g) melted butter, warm not hot
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 350°F (325°F for glass pans). Grease or line an 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan.
• In a large bowl, sift Heritage Baker's Flour and whisk in Homestead Sweetener and baking powder.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, orange juice, melted butter, orange zest, and extracts.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until fully combined.
• Allow the batter to rest for 3–5 minutes, then whisk again to ensure a smooth structure.
• Pour into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
• Cool completely before glazing.

ORANGE GLAZE

• ¾ cup (105g) Homestead Sweetener
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• Whisk together until smooth. Pour over the fully cooled loaf.
• BAKER'S TECHNIQUE

FROM THE FORAGE KITCHEN
Made with Heritage Baker's Flour and Homestead Sweetener—crafted to organic standards and designed for balanced structure, gentle sweetness, and everyday heritage baking.