Vegan Orange Loaf Cake

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of a freshly baked loaf cake, especially one that’s bursting with vibrant, citrusy goodness. This Vegan Orange Loaf Cake has become a staple in our home for so many reasons. It started one weekend when I wanted to treat my family to something both indulgent and wholesome. My youngest had just tasted oranges for the first time and couldn’t stop talking about the “sunshine fruit.” Inspired by that moment, I set out to create something that captured the tangy brightness of oranges while being rich and moist enough to satisfy even the sweetest tooth.

The first time I made it, the reactions were priceless. My partner couldn’t believe how moist and tender it was, and the kids loved the lightly drizzled glaze on top—it was gone in less time than it took to bake! What I love most about this loaf cake is its simplicity. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up in no time, yet it feels like you’ve put in hours of work. It’s perfect for lazy Sunday mornings or when you need an impressive but straightforward dessert. There’s a natural burst of flavor in every bite, and the fact that it’s vegan makes it even better. You’d never guess it lacks eggs or dairy! This cake is a testament to the idea that plant-based baking can be anything but bland.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

1. Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of oranges?
Absolutely! You can easily swap out oranges for lemons, grapefruits, or even a combination of citrus fruits. Just keep in mind that different fruits may vary in sweetness and acidity, so adjust the sugar accordingly.

2. How long does this loaf cake stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, this loaf cake stays moist and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to extend its shelf life, refrigerate it for up to a week, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

3. Can I freeze this loaf cake?
Yes, you can! Slice the cake, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw slices at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for a freshly-baked taste.

4. Is it okay to make this gluten-free?
You can certainly try substituting a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. While I haven’t tested it myself, many readers have reported success with this swap. Be sure to check that the blend you use contains a binding agent like xanthan gum.

What You Need to Make Vegan Orange Loaf Cake

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

Zest from 2 oranges

½ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

½ cup non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat)

1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

2-3 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)

Equipment:

Mixing bowls

Loaf pan (9×5 inches)

Whisk

Cooling rack

How to Make Vegan Orange Loaf Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Prepare the wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine orange juice, orange zest, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and non-dairy milk. Whisk until smooth.

Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.

Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack.

Make the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Tips for Making the Best Vegan Orange Loaf Cake

Don’t skip the zest: Orange zest adds a depth of flavor that you won’t get from just the juice. It’s the secret to a fragrant and flavorful loaf.

Room temperature ingredients: Using room-temperature non-dairy milk and orange juice ensures a smoother batter and better texture.

Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet loaf, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup. You can also play around with the glaze by adding more or less orange juice to reach your desired sweetness and consistency.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Amazing! So moist and flavorful. Perfect for a weekend brunch, and my kids loved it.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great recipe, but I’ll add more orange zest next time for an even stronger citrus flavor.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect balance of sweet and tangy! The glaze really takes it to the next level.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved it, but I used lemon juice instead, and it turned out a bit too tart. Will adjust next time.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Simple, quick, and delicious! It didn’t even taste vegan. A definite keeper.”

Printable Recipe

Check Out Some Of Our Other Recipes / Crafts

Blissful Blueberry Shortcake Cake

Easy Molasses Sugar Cookies

Smothered Hamburger Steak

Make Delicious Ice Cream in a Bag in Just 15 Minutes

If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

Sharing recipes is like sharing a little bit of joy and love. If you enjoyed this Vegan Orange Loaf Cake and know someone who loves a good slice of citrusy sweetness, spread the word! Post it on your favorite social media platforms or save it to your recipe board. You never know whose day you’ll brighten with a new go-to recipe. Together, let’s make the world a little zestier, one loaf at a time!