Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat an 8x4-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray, and line the bottom with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the cake once it’s baked.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step ensures your cake will have a soft and airy texture.
Add Eggs and Flavor: Add in the vanilla extract and orange zest. Mix until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add Flour and Orange Juice: Gradually add the flour and orange juice to the butter mixture. Mix until smooth and fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to a dense cake.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Orange Glaze (Optional): While the cake cools, whisk together the orange juice, powdered sugar, and orange zest to make the glaze. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze on top.