Uplifting Orange & Clove Loaf Cake – 1 Irresistible Citrus Treat!

Thank you so much for stopping by—I’m thrilled to share this heartwarming Orange and Clove Loaf Cake recipe with you! This bright, aromatic loaf is perfect for cozy mornings or as a comforting afternoon snack. Hungry for more? Subscribe to get new recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

Overview of Recipe Content

What This Recipe Is 📝

A tender, lightly spiced loaf cake made with fresh orange zest and juice, balanced by the sweet warmth of ground cloves and cinnamon. Great for brunch, teatime, or a gentle holiday cheer moment.

Why You’ll Love It

• Bursting with citrus brightness
• Subtle, cozy spice notes
• Easy and forgiving to bake
• Adaptable—glazed, plain, or studded with nuts

Taste Profile

Moist crumb with a citrusy zing and a gentle spice finish—sweet, bright, and comforting!

Seasonal & Health Notes

Perfect for winter mornings or holiday get‑togethers. Light on sugar compared to many loaf cakes—add a citrus glaze for a splash of sweetness without overindulgence.

Ingredients

PIN IT

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

Tools Needed

• 9×5″ loaf pan
• Mixing bowls, whisk, spatula
• Zester, measuring cups/spoons

Substitutions & Additions

• Milk → yogurt for extra moisture
• Butter → oil (like light olive oil) for a softer crumb
• Add‑ins: chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, or a ½‑cup handful of poppy seeds

How to Make Orange and Clove Loaf Cake

PIN IT

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, soda, cloves, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in orange zest and juice.
5. Alternately mix in the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with dry—you’ll end up with a smooth, velvety batter.
6. Pour into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in pan for 10 min, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling.

Sensory Commentary

As it bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the bright aroma of orange and the comforting whisper of cloves. The final loaf is tender, fragrant, with a lightly crisp crust—slicing into it feels like a hug.

What to Serve with Orange and Clove Loaf Cake

• Morning: a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries
• Afternoon Tea: buttered slices with a cup of Earl Grey
• Evening Treat: alongside warm spiced apple cider or mulled wine
• Presentation Tip: dust with powdered sugar or an orange‑clove glaze for a festive touch!

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Room-temp eggs & butter ensure smooth mixing.
• Don’t overmix after adding flour—stop when it’s just combined.
• Check at minute 50 with a toothpick. If it browns too fast, tent with foil.
• Prep ahead: batter can be made the night before—just bake fresh in the morning!

Storage Instructions

• Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze sliced (double‑wrapped) for up to 1 month—defrost overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat lightly in a warm oven or toaster for a fresh‑baked feel.

General Information

PIN IT

This elegantly simple loaf likely hails from traditional European tea cakes. The combination of orange and clove evokes classic Victorian tea-time flavors—bright and warm, perfect during winter months. Inspired by a cherished family teatime tale from my nonna, who loved sneaking a slice before we woke!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use cake flour?
Yes—swap ½ cup of AP flour for cake flour for an extra soft crumb.

2. No cloves—what else works?
Use ¾ tsp cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg. Cloves add unique warmth, so it’s not quite the same, but still lovely.

3. Can this be made gluten‑free?
Yes, replace flour with a 1:1 GF baking blend. Add ¼ tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.

4. How to know when it’s baked?
A clean toothpick inserted in the center or a light tap—if it sounds hollow, it’s done!

5. Can I double the recipe?
Certainly! Use two pans and add an extra 5–10 minutes to baking time.

Conclusion

This Zesty Orange & Warm Clove Loaf Cake is a bright, fragrant loaf that’s both cozy and elegant. I promise, it’s so good you’ll make it again and again! Craving more citrusy warmth? Try my Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf or Honey Orange Muffins next!

Interactive Elements

Loved this? Leave a comment or star ★ below! Don’t forget to share your photo on Pinterest or tag me @poulefrecipe—I love seeing your kitchen creations!

Nutritional Information (per slice, approx. 12 servings)

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Fiber
210 kcal	26 g	3 g	10 g	1 g

Print