gluten-free orange pound cake

Gluten-Free Orange Pound Cake (Moist, Fragrant & Easy)

This gluten-free orange pound cake is rich, buttery, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Made with orange zest and juice, it has a tender crumb and classic pound-cake density—without any gluten. It’s ideal for afternoon tea, brunch, or a light dessert and stays moist for days.

No one will guess it’s gluten-free. The bright orange aroma, golden crust, and soft interior make this cake a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Naturally fragrant orange flavor

• Moist, dense yet tender pound-cake texture

• Simple ingredients and easy steps

• Stays fresh for several days

• Perfect for gluten-free baking beginners

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Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups (280 g) gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• Zest of 2 oranges

• ½ cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Orange Glaze

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

• 2–3 tbsp orange juice

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).

2. Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

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Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt.

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Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

1. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

3. Stir in orange zest and vanilla extract.

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Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry

1. Add the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with orange juice.

2. Mix gently just until smooth—do not overmix.

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Step 5: Bake

1. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

2. Smooth the top.

3. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

4. If browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

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Step 6: Cool & Glaze (Optional)

1. Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

2. Mix powdered sugar with orange juice to make glaze.

3. Drizzle over cooled cake.

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Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Pound Cake

• Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum

• Measure flour accurately—spoon and level

• Room-temperature ingredients ensure smooth batter

• Let cake cool completely before slicing

• Zest oranges before juicing for best aroma

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Variations

• Almond Orange Cake: Replace ½ cup flour with almond flour

• Chocolate Orange: Add chocolate chips to the batter

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter

• Lemon-Orange: Combine lemon and orange zest

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Storage & Freezing

• Store at room temperature for 2–3 days

• Refrigerate up to 5 days, wrapped well

• Freeze sliced cake up to 2 months

To serve, thaw at room temperature.

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Serving Suggestions

• Dust with powdered sugar instead of glaze

• Serve with whipped cream or yogurt

• Pair with tea or coffee

• Add fresh berries for a light dessert

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Final Thoughts

This gluten-free orange pound cake delivers everything you want in a classic pound cake—rich texture, citrus aroma, and moist crumb—without the gluten. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s perfect for everyday baking or special occasions.