Passionfruit Orange Loaf Cake with Glaze
A moist, tender loaf cake infused with tropical passionfruit pulp and bright orange zest, finished with a sweet passionfruit glaze. The combination of tangy passionfruit and citrus creates a vibrant flavor that's perfect for afternoon tea or dessert. This cake gets even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it an ideal make-ahead treat for entertaining or weekend baking.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 7 tablespoons passionfruit pulp, dividedmango puree1:1tropical
Different tropical flavor
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and grease and line loaf pan
- 2
Beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy
- 3
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla, orange zest, and passionfruit pulp
- 4
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in separate bowl
- 5
Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk to batter, beginning and ending with flour
- 6
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until skewer comes out clean
- 7
Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely
- 8
Beat powdered sugar with remaining butter and passionfruit pulp until smooth, adding water if needed
- 9
Pour glaze over cooled cake and decorate with passionfruit halves
Tips
Let cake cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off the sides.
Fresh passionfruit pulp works best, but you can substitute frozen pulp that has been thawed and drained.
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days - the flavors actually improve after the first day.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week
Can be made 1-2 days ahead - wrap unfrosted cake tightly and add glaze before serving
Serve at room temperature, cut into thick slices
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix the batter after adding flour to avoid tough cake
Make sure cake is completely cool before glazing to prevent melting
Substitutions
Different tropical flavor
FAQ
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap unfrosted cake tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw completely and add glaze before serving.
What if I can't find fresh passionfruit?
Use frozen passionfruit pulp or substitute with mango puree for a different tropical flavor.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a skewer into the center - it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.