If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a burst of sunshine on your palate, look no further than this Heavenly Blood Orange Yogurt Cake Recipe. It’s a delightful balance of zesty blood orange flavor and creamy Greek yogurt that makes the cake incredibly moist and tender. The blend of fresh blood orange zest and juice lifts this cake with a bright, citrusy aroma that’s irresistible, while the subtle sweetness and a luscious glaze tie everything together perfectly. Whether you’re treating yourself on a quiet afternoon or impressing guests, this cake is a vibrant, feel-good treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe, each playing an essential role in delivering the cake’s wonderful texture, flavor, and inviting look. You don’t need anything fancy, just quality basics that bring out the best of the blood orange and yogurt combo.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure that gives your cake its tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise to that perfect fluffy height.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds moisture, richness, and a slight tang for depth.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering the natural citrus notes.
- 3 large eggs, room temperature: Acts as a binder and makes the cake light and airy.
- Zest of 2 blood oranges: Packed with vibrant aroma and fresh citrus flavor.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed blood orange juice: Infuses the batter with authentic, juicy brightness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the citrus with a warm, sweet undertone.
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled: Keeps the cake moist with a subtle tropical note.
- Zest of 1 blood orange (for icing): Adds a decorative and flavorful finishing touch.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted: For a smooth, sweet glaze that balances the tang.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed blood orange juice (for icing): Gives the icing a glossy shine and citrus pop.
How to Make Heavenly Blood Orange Yogurt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at just the right temperature when you’re ready to bake. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for the easiest cake removal after baking. This step sets the stage for perfect cake texture and presentation.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well distributes the rising agents evenly, which helps the cake rise uniformly and keeps the crumb light and airy.
Step 3: Mix Base Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the plain Greek yogurt and granulated sugar until smooth. This simple step ensures that the sugar dissolves and the yogurt’s creamy texture blends well into the batter, setting a luscious base for the cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add the eggs one at a time to the yogurt and sugar mixture, whisking well after each addition. This careful incorporation adds air, improving the cake’s texture. Then stir in the zest of two blood oranges, the freshly squeezed blood orange juice, and the vanilla extract, which together create the brilliant zesty and fragrant backbone of the cake.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Mixture
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so gentle folding keeps it tender and moist.
Step 6: Fold in Coconut Oil
Gently fold the melted and cooled coconut oil into the batter. This adds a subtle tropical richness and ensures the cake stays moist and soft long after baking. Plus, coconut oil’s flavor pairs surprisingly well with blood orange!
Step 7: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Slide it into the oven and bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell wafting from your oven will be heavenly!
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is key for that perfect slice and to prepare the cake for the luscious icing.
Step 9: Prepare and Apply the Icing
Whisk together powdered sugar, blood orange juice, and the zest of one blood orange until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this beautiful glaze generously over the cooled cake and let it set for at least 20 minutes. This gorgeous finishing touch adds sweetness and a glossy citrus shine.
How to Serve Heavenly Blood Orange Yogurt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your serving extra special, try garnishing each slice with a few thinly sliced blood orange rounds or a sprinkle of extra zest. Fresh mint leaves also add a refreshing contrast and a pop of color that brightens the presentation.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments like a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Fresh berries or a simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can also complement the cake’s tangy sweetness for a balanced dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the loaf pan? Try serving individual portions as mini cakes or use muffin tins for single servings. Add edible flowers or drizzle the icing in a zigzag pattern for a whimsical touch. You could even serve slices alongside a chilled blood orange or citrus sorbet for a citrus extravaganza.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Heavenly Blood Orange Yogurt Cake Recipe keeps beautifully covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it well in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep the cake moist and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently heat individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softly melts the glaze and enhances the blood orange aroma, making each bite wonderfully comforting.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can substitute regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt’s thickness and tang really help give the cake its moist texture and rich flavor. If using regular yogurt, consider draining it slightly to reduce excess moisture.
What makes this cake “heavenly” compared to other citrus cakes?
The combination of blood orange’s unique deep flavor, Greek yogurt’s creamy tang, and the luscious coconut oil creates a moist, fragrant cake with a perfectly balanced sweetness. The fresh blood orange glaze seals the deal with a glossy, flavorful finish.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture might be slightly different, but the vibrant blood orange flavor will still shine.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The best way is to insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), the cake is done baking. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking around 45 minutes.
Can I substitute coconut oil with butter?
Absolutely! Melted butter will add a richer, creamier flavor to the cake. Use the same measurement, but note that coconut oil lends a subtle tropical note that butter will not replicate exactly.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, the Heavenly Blood Orange Yogurt Cake Recipe is one of those delightful finds that make baking such a joy. It’s fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to whip up. Once you get a slice of this vibrant, tender cake in your hands, it’s nearly impossible not to fall in love. I hope you give it a try soon and experience the sunny magic blood oranges bring to your kitchen and table!
Print
Heavenly Blood Orange Yogurt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Heavenly Blood Orange Yogurt Cake is a moist and tangy loaf infused with the vibrant flavors of fresh blood oranges. Made with Greek yogurt for a tender crumb and coconut oil for subtle richness, it’s topped with a zesty blood orange glaze that adds a perfect sweet and citrusy finish. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake combines wholesome ingredients with bright, refreshing flavors.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients and Flavorings
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- Zest of 2 blood oranges
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed blood orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
Icing
- Zest of 1 blood orange
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed blood orange juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined and set aside.
- Mix Base Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the plain Greek yogurt and granulated sugar together until smooth and fully combined for a creamy base.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Whisk the eggs into the yogurt and sugar mixture one at a time to ensure even incorporation. Then add the zest of 2 blood oranges, freshly squeezed blood orange juice, and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Incorporate Dry Mixture: Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in Coconut Oil: Gently fold the melted and cooled coconut oil into the batter until fully incorporated for moisture and richness.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring it firms up properly.
- Prepare the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, blood orange juice, and the zest of 1 blood orange until you achieve a smooth and pourable glaze.
- Ice and Set: Once the cake has fully cooled, drizzle the blood orange glaze evenly over the top. Let the icing set for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving to enhance flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
- You can substitute coconut oil with unsalted butter if preferred.
- Use fresh blood oranges for the best vibrant flavor in both cake and icing.
- Allow the glaze to set fully before slicing to avoid messy cuts.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
