Preparation

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment and then butter the parchment.
• Finely grate enough zest from the oranges to yield 2 Tbs., and then squeeze the oranges to yield 1 cup strained juice. Set aside 1/4 cup juice for the glaze.
• In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and 1/2 tsp. salt.
• In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer), beat the butter and sugar on medium high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating on medium speed until incorporated and scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Add the vanilla and orange zest and beat until incorporated (the mixture may look curdled at this point). With the mixer on low, alternately add the flour mixture in 3 additions, and the remaining 3/4 cup orange juice in 2 additions, beginning and ending with the flour.
• Scrape the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, then tap the pan on the counter a couple of times to pop any air pockets. Bake until a tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Let the cake cool in its pan on a rack for 10 minutes, run a knife around the sides, then invert it onto the rack. Remove the parchment and invert again.
• In a medium bowl, whisk the reserved 1/4 cup orange juice with the confectioners’ sugar and the pinch of salt until smooth. Set the warm cake on its rack over a large rimmed baking sheet (or a large piece of parchment). Using a toothpick, poke holes at 3/4-inch intervals in the top of the cake, stopping about three-quarters of the way down the cake.
• Repeatedly brush the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the cake until you’ve used it all. Let the cake cool completely, about 2 hours, before slicing and serving.

Make Ahead Tips

The cake can be kept at room temperature, wrapped in plastic, for up to 3 days.