Easter Brunch Loaf Cake: The Easiest Recipe EVER!

January 21, 2026

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Easter brunch loaf cake is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday gathering. Fluffy, flavorful, and filled with delicious surprises, this bake is a sweet twist on traditional Easter fare. Think tender crumb, bright citrus notes, and a swirl of decadent cream cheese filling.

This Easter brunch loaf cake isn’t just delicious; it’s also a beautiful way to celebrate spring. Growing up, Easter meant my grandmother’s legendary baked goods, and this loaf is my homage to her creativity in the kitchen. It’s a simple pleasure meant to be shared with family and friends – a new tradition waiting to be made.

Why You Will Love This Easter brunch loaf cake Recipe

This recipe is all about low stress baking and maximum flavor. Forget fussy desserts that take all day; this Easter brunch loaf cake comes together quickly and easily, perfect for a relaxed holiday morning. The citrusy batter is light and airy, while the cream cheese swirl adds a touch of richness that everyone will adore.

What makes this loaf truly special is how adaptable it is. Not a fan of citrus? Swap it out for vanilla! Want to add some crunch? Sprinkle on some chopped nuts before baking. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a keeper.

Easter brunch loaf cake - Detail or variation — Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This Easter brunch loaf cake Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Easter treat: For the Loaf Cake:

3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
¼ cup orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make This Easter brunch loaf cake Recipe

Get ready to bake up the perfect Easter treat! Follow these steps carefully for the best results. If you’re feeling inspired, perhaps you’d also enjoy my recipe for Spring Vegetable Loaf Cake, a savory option perfect for brunch.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, orange juice, and orange zest.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined that batter is mixed, careful not to overmix.
7. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

8. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared loaf pan.
9. Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter.
10. Gently pour the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese filling.
11. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. You may need to tent the loaf with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking, so it doesn’t brown on top. Remember that baking times may vary depending on your oven.
12. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Slice and serve! You may also like the flavors in this Easter Brunch Stew, another favorite of mine.

How to Serve This Easter brunch loaf cake Recipe

This Easter brunch loaf cake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other brunch items.

Serving Suggestions: Serve slices warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat.
Pairing Ideas: Enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or a mimosa for a complete brunch experience.
Topping Recommendations: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with a simple glaze, or top with fresh berries for an extra touch.
Plating Ideas: Arrange slices artfully on a platter with a sprinkle of orange zest or edible flowers for a festive presentation.

How to Store This Easter brunch loaf cake Recipe

Proper storage ensures your loaf stays fresh and delicious.

Refrigeration Instructions: Store the cooled loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Guidelines: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips: Thaw frozen loaf overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to warm it up.
Shelf Life Information: At room temperature, the loaf will stay fresh for about 2 days.

Tips to Make This Easter brunch loaf cake Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks to ensure baking success. The principles are quite similar to those in my Easter Dessert Carrot Cake, so check that out for even more baking tips.

Ingredient Swaps: Use lemon juice and zest instead of orange for a different citrus flavor. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
Success Tips: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened for a smooth batter and filling. Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overbaking will result in a dry cake. Check for doneness with a wooden skewer and tent with foil if needed.
Pro Tips for Best Results: Gently swirl the cream cheese filling into the batter for a beautiful marbled effect.

Helpful Notes for This Easter brunch loaf cake Recipe

Here are some additional notes to guide you through the recipe.

Extra Clarifications: Be sure to measure your flour correctly. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping it directly from the bag.
Ingredient Details: High quality vanilla extract will give the best flavor. Using fresh orange juice and zest is preferable for a brighter taste.
Equipment Recommendations: A stand mixer or hand mixer is helpful but not required. You can also easily mix the batter by hand.

Variation of This Easter brunch loaf cake Recipe

Get creative with these fun twists on the classic recipe.

Seasonal Twists: Add fresh blueberries and raspberries in the spring or cranberries and chopped nuts in the fall.
Optional Versions: Incorporate chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a streusel topping for added texture and flavor.
Creative Modifications: Add a layer of marzipan under the cream cheese filing for something special.

What makes this Easter brunch loaf cake easy to make?

This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making it accessible even for beginner bakers. Most steps are quick and require minimal special equipment.

Can I customize the filling of the Easter brunch loaf cake?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different types of cream cheese fillings, add fruit preserves, or even incorporate chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a personalized touch.

How do I store the Easter brunch loaf cake?

Store the loaf cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Freezing is also a great option for longer storage; thaw before serving.

What kind of citrus works best in the Easter brunch loaf cake?

Lemon and orange are both excellent choices, providing a bright and refreshing flavor. You can use a combination of both for a more complex taste profile.

Conclusion

This Easter brunch loaf cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With its bright citrus flavor and creamy filling, it’s the perfect sweet treat to celebrate the holiday. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a slice of happiness! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out – I’d love to hear about your baking experience.