Call it a loaf or a bread, and suddenly it’s perfectly acceptable to enjoy dessert first thing in the morning. While it may not align with nutritional guidelines, this Orange Cream Cheese Loaf is a treat worth indulging in. If you’ve savored lemon loaves or banana bread, prepare to be delighted by this citrusy twist. Made with a full package of cream cheese and the zest of a fresh orange, this recipe delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. With a texture reminiscent of pound cake and a richness that’s hard to resist, one slice is never enough!
We’ve kept the batter simple, but feel free to add walnuts or dried cranberries for an extra layer of texture and flavor. This easy orange cream cheese loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet ending to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese (1 package), softened
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose (AP) flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- Zest of 1 orange
- Topping: ¼ cup orange juice
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add sugar and eggs, beating until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, alternating between the two.
- Stir in the orange zest until fully incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then drizzle the orange juice over the top. Allow it to soak in before slicing.
Enjoy this homemade orange cream cheese loaf warm or at room temperature. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite!
