Ingredients
For the Butter Cake Batter
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs (room temperature)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/2 cup whole milk (room temperature)
– A few drops of orange food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant marble effect)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Divide the batter into two equal parts. Add a few drops of orange food coloring to one part and mix until you achieve the desired orange color.
Pour half of the plain batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drop spoonfuls of the orange-colored batter over the plain batter. Pour the remaining plain batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
