1-First Step: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) standard or 150°C (300°F) fan-forced. Grease and line a loaf pan with baking or parchment paper.

2-Second Step: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar on low speed until they combine. Then switch to medium speed and beat for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.

3-Third Step: Add eggs one at a time. Beat briefly after each egg, and scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything mixes evenly. Then mix in the zest of 3 large oranges.

4-Fourth Step: Add the dry ingredients and milk. Mix in the flour, baking powder, salt, and milk. Keep it on low speed just until the batter is smooth and thick. Avoid over-mixing, or the cake can turn tough.

5-Fifth Step: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 70 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

6-Sixth Step: If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. This keeps the center from underbaking while the outside finishes.

7-Final Step: Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then mix the orange syrup (orange juice + sugar) and spoon it over the warm cake so it soaks in and forms a crisp crust. Remove the cake from the pan and parchment, cool completely on a rack, then slice and serve. If you want the optional drizzle, mix icing sugar with fresh orange juice and drizzle over the cooled cake.