Irresistible Orange and Clove Loaf Cake That Warms Your Soul (Easy 6-Step Recipe)

There’s something magical about the combination of citrus and spice—especially when it comes from a recipe that fills your kitchen with warm memories and delicious aromas. This orange and clove loaf cake is one of those hidden gems that instantly feels nostalgic, like something your grandmother might’ve made on a chilly winter afternoon.

Thank you so much for being here! I’m beyond excited to share this lovely loaf that’s become a staple in our home. It’s light, zesty, warmly spiced, and so simple to whip up—you’re going to fall in love. Don’t forget to subscribe for more comforting recipes like this right to your inbox!

Overview of Recipe Content

This orange and clove loaf cake is a tender, lightly spiced treat that shines at breakfast, with tea, or as an afternoon pick-me-up. It’s especially perfect in winter or around the holidays when you’re craving something sweet and cozy—but honestly, I make it year-round.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Incredibly moist and tender texture.
• Bright citrus balanced by the warm depth of cloves.
• Simple pantry ingredients—no fancy steps.
• Elegant enough for brunch but easy enough for a weekday.

What It Tastes Like:
Imagine a buttery vanilla cake kissed with fresh orange zest and deepened with the spicy hum of cloves and cinnamon. It’s like sunshine wrapped in a blanket.

Seasonal Vibes & Nutritional Notes:

• Great for winter holidays, but fresh and light enough for spring.
• Contains real orange juice for a vitamin C boost.
• Lower in sugar than most loaf cakes, especially if you go light on the glaze.

Ingredients

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For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tbsp (30ml) orange juice
• ½ cup (120ml) milk

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp (15–30ml) fresh orange juice
• Pinch of ground cloves (optional)

Tools You’ll Need:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Loaf pan (8×4 or 9×5 inches)
• Zester
• Cooling rack

Substitutions:

• Swap butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free twist.
• Use orange extract instead of juice if you’re short.
• Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries for a festive spin!

How to Make Orange and Clove Loaf Cake

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1. Prep Your Pan & Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a loaf pan with parchment.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cloves, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Cream the Butter & Sugar
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add the orange zest and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
4. Add Wet & Dry Alternately
   Stir in the orange juice. Then add the flour mixture in thirds, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined—don’t overbeat!
5. Bake
   Pour into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool & Glaze
   Cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Whisk together glaze ingredients and drizzle over the cooled cake.

What to Serve with Orange and Clove Loaf Cake

• A warm mug of chai or Earl Grey—perfection.
• A dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
• Fresh berries for a summer brunch plate.
• Want something savory on the side? Try this Savory Cottage Cheese Muffin!

Tips for Making It Perfect

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• Don’t skip the zest! It brings all the orange flavor.
• Let the loaf cool before glazing so it doesn’t soak in too much.
• Store your cloves in a tightly sealed jar—they lose flavor quickly when exposed to air.
• For a stronger spice profile, steep the milk with whole cloves, then strain.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Fridge: Keeps fresh for about 5 days. Let it come to room temp before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze unglazed slices for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave gently.

General Information

Oranges and cloves are a classic winter pairing with roots in both European and American holiday traditions. Clove-studded oranges were once used as homemade air fresheners—who knew they’d taste even better in a cake?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this loaf ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors mingle.

What if I don’t have ground cloves?
You can use allspice or nutmeg as a milder alternative.

Can I use orange extract instead of zest?
You can, but zest gives a fresher, more aromatic flavor.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely—bake in two loaf pans or one large Bundt pan (adjust time accordingly).

Conclusion

This orange and clove loaf cake isn’t just a recipe—it’s a little piece of sunshine and comfort wrapped into every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it with family over coffee or gifting it to a friend, it’s bound to bring smiles.

Love this recipe? You’ll also enjoy these from Poulef:

• Cozy Apple Cider Donuts
• Cranberry Orange Muffins
• Spiced Pumpkin Loaf
• Buttery Lemon Shortbread

Interactive Elements

If you bake this beauty, I’d love to see it! Drop a comment below, share a photo on Pinterest, or tag me on Instagram @poulefrecipe!

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per slice (1 of 10)
Calories	220
Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	28g
Sugar	15g
Protein	3g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	120mg

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