Orange Dessert Loaf

When it is frigid outside, I like to make something with citrus to brighten the day a bit.  I don't like to eat it because I don't like this sort of stuff, but my husband sure does. He ate it with vanilla ice cream.  Barf!  I don't like ice cream either.

I've also been making recipes by hand and not using a mixer.  I just want to experience how it was back in the day.  Does anyone remember when we used  the old hand crank mixers?

Whisk the softened butter, cream cheese and eggs together.

Add orange juice and orange zest.

Mix everything until there are no lumps.

Spread it in a loaf pan that has been sprayed and use a piece of parchment paper to make it eay to lift out.  Bake at 350 for an hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool it on a rack and sprinkle with confectioners sugar.

A summery loaf on a wintry day.
 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tsp orange zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F . Spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.