Orange Cream Cheese Loaf

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. While the loaf is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and enough orange juice to reach your desired consistency.
11. Once the loaf is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.