Thanksgiving for all: Dairy-free mix-it-up citrus loaf cake from Dorie Greenspan

Published: Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 3:40 pm

Thanksgiving Dessert: A Dairy-Free Citrus Loaf Cake

As the holiday season approaches, renowned cookbook author Dorie Greenspan offers a recipe for a versatile citrus loaf cake, perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. This recipe, featured in her latest cookbook, "Dorie's Anytime Cakes," emphasizes simplicity and flavor, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers.

The cake's key feature is its adaptability. It can be made entirely dairy-free, utilizing olive oil to achieve a deep golden-brown color. The recipe encourages experimentation with citrus fruits, suggesting lemons, grapefruits, oranges, or a combination, allowing for a customized flavor profile. Greenspan also suggests playing with the type of olive oil used, and the addition of vanilla, dark rum, or orange liqueur to further enhance the cake's taste.

The recipe itself is straightforward, involving common pantry staples like flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, eggs, and honey. The process includes zesting the citrus fruits and incorporating their juice into the batter. The cake is baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 50 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean. A simple glaze, made from citrus marmalade and water, is optional. The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or frozen for up to a month.

BNN's Perspective: This recipe offers a welcome option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences, making Thanksgiving celebrations more inclusive. The emphasis on fresh ingredients and customizable flavors aligns with the growing trend of home cooking and mindful eating. The recipe's simplicity makes it accessible to a wide range of skill levels, encouraging more people to enjoy the holiday baking experience.

Keywords: citrus loaf cake, dairy-free, Thanksgiving, Dorie Greenspan, baking recipe, olive oil, dessert, holiday baking, gluten-free, vegan

Full Story