Orange Cream Cheese Loaf

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8-10 slices

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings:
   • Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
   • Mix in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and freshly squeezed orange juice until combined.
5. Incorporate Cream Cheese:
   • Add the softened cream cheese to the batter and beat until smooth and well incorporated.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Bake the Loaf:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the orange cream cheese loaf to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
   • Carefully remove the loaf from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Optional Dusting:
   • Once the loaf has cooled, you can dust the top with powdered sugar for decoration before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• For a more pronounced orange flavor, you can increase the amount of orange zest or add a splash of orange extract to the batter.
• You can add chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) or dried cranberries to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Store the cooled orange cream cheese loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 10 servings):

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 160mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 23g
• Protein: 4g

Enjoy this moist and flavorful orange cream cheese loaf as a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with your favorite hot beverage!