Seminole Heights Suncake" — A Mediterranean-Style Orange Loaf
- Noori James
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
Inspired by Tampa Bay’s vibrant Middle Eastern community, this fragrant orange loaf is sun-soaked, spiced, and deeply rooted in flavor.
Seminole Heights, one of Tampa’s most creative and diverse neighborhoods, has become a hub for global cuisine—with many beloved Middle Eastern, Lebanese, and Syrian-owned bakeries, cafés, and spice shops. This loaf draws from those rich traditions, echoing the citrus-soaked pastries of the Levant with a Florida twist.
Where baklava might glisten with orange blossom syrup, or semolina cakes like basbousa are scented with citrus and spice, this cake carries those same warm notes—baked into a golden loaf and topped with vibrant orange slices like little rays of sunshine.
Servings: 8–10 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 45–55 minutes
What You'll Need:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cardamom (or cinnamon if preferred)
Zest of 2 oranges
½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
½ cup Greek yogurt or plain whole-milk yogurt
¾ cup sugar
½ cup olive oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Thin orange slices (for garnish, optional)
Optional glaze: ¼ cup orange juice + 2 tbsp sugar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cardamom.
Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add orange zest, juice, yogurt, olive oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Combine & pour: Stir dry ingredients into the wet until just combined—don’t overmix. Pour into prepared pan.
Decorate (optional): Gently lay thin orange slices across the top of the batter for a beautiful finish.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Optional glaze: While warm, brush with a quick orange-sugar glaze for shine and extra citrus kick.
Notes:
Use blood oranges or cara cara oranges for a pink-orange hue and richer flavor.
Cardamom gives this a distinct Middle Eastern flavor; swap for cinnamon for a cozier vibe.
Delicious with tea or served warm with a dollop of labneh or mascarpone.
