Ingredients

• 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup milk
• Zest of 1 orange
• Topping: ¼ cup orange juice

How to make

1. Preheat: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard bread loaf pan (9×5 in or similar) and set aside.
2. Cream: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and well combined.
3. Add sugar & eggs: Add the sugar and eggs to the cream cheese mixture and beat until light and fluffy.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients and the milk to the wet mixture, alternating and mixing just until combined. Fold in the orange zest.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Glaze: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes. While still warm, pour ¼ cup orange juice evenly over the top, allowing it to soak in.
8. Finish: Let the loaf cool fully on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For extra orange flavor, add 1–2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice to the batter and a little more zest on top.
• Turn this into a simple glaze by mixing ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons orange juice and drizzling over the cooled loaf.
• If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking.