Orange Marbled Butter Cake 🍊🍰

A Bright and Buttery Citrus Loaf That’s as Beautiful as It Is Delicious

If you’re looking for a loaf cake that’s equal parts cozy and eye-catching, this Orange Marbled Butter Cake is just the thing. Buttery, moist, and kissed with fresh orange juice and zest, this recipe gives you a bright citrus flavor with a marbled swirl that looks bakery-worthy—without the fuss.

It’s a delightful cross between a classic butter cake and a sunshine-filled orange dream, perfect for spring brunches, cozy fall baking days, or even gifting.

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Why I Love This Recipe

I’m a big fan of simple loaf cakes, and this one checks all the boxes:

• Moist and tender with a rich crumb
• Bursting with real orange flavor from juice and zest
• Naturally elegant thanks to the marbled swirl
• Great for slicing, snacking, or dressing up with glaze

It reminds me of the simplicity I love in this banana bread or the cozy comfort of these pumpkin spice muffins.

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Ingredients

For the Butter Cake Batter:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• ½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
• A few drops of orange food coloring (optional, for marbling)

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Optional Additions & Swaps

• Add a citrus glaze with powdered sugar and orange juice for extra flair
• Use blood orange or mandarin for a slightly different citrus profile
• Sub in Greek yogurt or sour cream for half the milk for extra richness
• Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the orange batter for a chocolate-orange twist

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How to Make Orange Marbled Butter Cake

1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).

4. Add Eggs and Flavor
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice.

5. Combine Wet and Dry
Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

6. Create the Marble Effect
Divide the batter in half. Add orange food coloring to one half, mixing until evenly colored.
Pour half of the plain batter into the loaf pan. Drop spoonfuls of the orange batter over the top, then layer the remaining plain batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters to create a marbled look.

7. Bake and Cool
Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Tips for Success

• Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and a smooth batter
• Don’t over-swirl the batter—less is more for a beautiful marble look
• Make sure your orange juice is freshly squeezed for the best flavor burst
• Cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if the top is browning too quickly

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Serving Suggestions

Slice and serve your orange marbled butter cake with:

• A mug of black tea or citrus-infused herbal blend
• A dollop of whipped cream and a spoonful of orange marmalade
• A side of rainbow sprinkle cookies for a cheerful tea party spread
• Coffee and copycat Neiman Marcus cookies for an indulgent dessert tray

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Storage & Freezing

• Room Temp: Wrap tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Fridge: Keeps for up to a week; let it come to room temp before serving
• Freezer: Wrap loaf (whole or sliced) in plastic and foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge

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More Bakes You’ll Love

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
• Pumpkin Spice Muffins
• Peanut Butter Brownies
• Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies
• Copycat Neiman Marcus Cookies

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Final Thoughts

This Orange Marbled Butter Cake is everything I love in a homemade bake—warm, nostalgic, and just bold enough to stand out from the usual loaf cakes. The orange zest and juice bring real flavor, while the marbled swirl adds that “wow” when you slice it. Perfect for guests or just for yourself with a quiet cup of tea.

Let me know how yours turns out in the comments or tag @chefmaniac with your slice shots! 🍊💛