Citrus Honey Delight Loaf
This Citrus Honey Delight Loaf is a cherished family recipe that combines the richness of honey with the vibrant flavors of orange and warm spices. Inspired by tradition, this moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any gathering or as a comforting treat during the holidays. Each bite offers a delightful blend of coffee and citrus, evoking memories of cozy family times. Enjoy it fresh, or allow it to mellow overnight for an even better texture and flavor. This recipe yields two generous loaves, making it ideal for sharing with loved ones.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hot Water
1 cup (Used to dissolve coffee granules.)
Instant Coffee Granules
1 tablespoon (Dissolved in hot water.)
Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate
1 (6 ounce) can (Thawed before use.)
Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (Measured for spice mixture.)
Ground Allspice
1 teaspoon (Measured for spice mixture.)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (Measured for spice mixture.)
Baking Powder
2 teaspoons (Measured for spice mixture.)
Baking Soda
2 teaspoons (Measured for spice mixture.)
All-Purpose Flour
3 1/2 cups (Sifted before use.)
Large Eggs
4 (Added to the batter.)
Canola Oil
1/3 cup (Used in the batter.)
Sugar
1 1/4 cups (Combined with wet ingredients.)
Honey
1 cup (Combined with wet ingredients.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
Prepare two 9x5-inch loaf pans by greasing them with nonstick spray or butter. For added assurance, line the bottoms with a piece of wax paper, then grease the paper.
3
In a measuring cup or small bowl, combine 1 cup of hot water with 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules, stirring until the granules dissolve. Add 1 (6-ounce) can of thawed frozen orange juice concentrate to the mixture to cool it down. Set aside.
4
In a small bowl or custard cup, measure out 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground allspice, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Set this spice mixture aside.
5
To measure your flour accurately, spoon 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour into a measuring cup and level it off. After measuring, sift the flour into a separate bowl to remove any lumps.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 large eggs, 1/3 cup canola oil, 1 1/4 cups sugar, and 1 cup of honey. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until fully combined.
7
Add the spice mixture into the wet ingredients and blend until incorporated.
8
Gradually add in the flour in three parts, alternating with the orange-coffee mixture in two parts, mixing until well combined after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
9
Once all the ingredients are combined, increase the mixer speed to high and beat the batter for 1-2 minutes until smooth. The batter will be thin.
10
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be sure to check both cakes.
12
If either cake has a wet spot in the center, continue baking for an additional few minutes.
13
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans on a wire rack for 1 hour.
14
After cooling, run a knife around the sides of each cake to loosen them before inverting onto a wire rack. Peel off the wax paper from the bottom and allow the cakes to cool completely.
15
For optimal flavor, wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap or heavy-duty foil. If allowed to sit overnight, they will be even easier to slice and more flavorful.
16
The wrapped loaves can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 days or frozen for several months. Defrost wrapped loaves at room temperature before slicing.
17
To serve, slice each loaf crosswise, slightly overlapping the slices on a platter.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Honey Delight Loaf?
It is a moist and flavorful cake that blends honey with orange and warm spices, inspired by traditional family recipes.
How many loaves does this recipe make?
This recipe yields two generous 9x5-inch loaves, making it perfect for sharing.
What size loaf pans are required?
You will need two 9x5-inch loaf pans.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (165°C).
How should I prepare the loaf pans?
Grease them with nonstick spray or butter, line the bottoms with wax paper, and grease the paper for easy removal.
What role does coffee play in this recipe?
One tablespoon of instant coffee granules is dissolved in hot water to provide a subtle depth of flavor that complements the honey and citrus.
What type of orange juice should I use?
The recipe calls for one 6-ounce can of thawed frozen orange juice concentrate.
What spices are included in the Citrus Honey Delight Loaf?
The spice mixture consists of ground cinnamon, ground allspice, and salt.
How much flour is needed for the batter?
The recipe requires 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, measured by spooning and leveling.
Why is sifting the flour recommended?
Sifting the flour after measuring helps remove any lumps and ensures a smoother batter.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
Four large eggs are used to provide structure and richness to the loaf.
What kind of oil should be used?
The recipe specifies 1/3 cup of canola oil.
Does the recipe use both baking powder and baking soda?
Yes, it uses 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 2 teaspoons of baking soda for proper leavening.
How long should I beat the wet ingredients?
Beat the eggs, oil, sugar, and honey on medium speed for about 2 minutes until fully combined.
How is the batter mixed to ensure consistency?
Gradually add flour in three parts, alternating with the orange-coffee mixture in two parts, and finish by beating on high for 1-2 minutes.
What is the texture of the batter before baking?
The batter will be thin once all ingredients are combined.
How long does the loaf need to bake?
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What should I do if the center of the cake is still wet after 70 minutes?
Continue baking for an additional few minutes until it is fully cooked through.
How long should the loaves cool in the pans?
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans on a wire rack for 1 hour before removing them.
How do I remove the loaves from the pans safely?
Run a knife around the sides to loosen the cake, then invert onto a wire rack and peel off the wax paper.
Can I eat the Citrus Honey Delight Loaf immediately after cooling?
While you can, the flavor and texture improve significantly if wrapped and allowed to sit overnight.
What is the best way to store the finished loaves?
Wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap or heavy-duty foil.
How long does the loaf stay fresh at room temperature?
Wrapped loaves can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, the wrapped loaves can be frozen for several months.
How do I defrost a frozen loaf?
Defrost the wrapped loaf at room temperature before slicing and serving.
What is the suggested way to serve the loaf?
Slice each loaf crosswise and overlap the slices on a platter for a beautiful presentation.
Is this a good recipe for holidays?
Yes, it is described as a comforting treat perfect for gatherings or as a holiday treat.
Can I use honey as the primary sweetener?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 cup of honey along with 1 1/4 cups of sugar for sweetness and moisture.
What if I don't have instant coffee?
The recipe calls for instant coffee granules dissolved in hot water; you may use a very strong brewed coffee as a substitute for the water/granule mix.
What is the flavor profile of this loaf?
It offers a delightful blend of citrus, honey, and warm spices with a hint of coffee.