Orange bread is a delightful treat that brings the bright, refreshing flavor of oranges into a moist and tender loaf. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert. With the right balance of sweetness and citrus, this orange bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Burst of Citrus Flavor: The combination of fresh orange zest and juice infuses the bread with a vibrant citrus taste.
- Moist and Tender: The right balance of ingredients ensures a moist and tender crumb that’s irresistible.
- Versatile: Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or with a sweet glaze for added indulgence.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family breakfast or a special brunch, this bread fits any occasion.
- Dietary Friendly: This recipe can be easily adapted for various dietary needs, including vegetarian diets.
Ingredients & Preparation Notes
- All-purpose flour: Sifting the flour helps to aerate it, resulting in a lighter texture.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and moisture to the bread.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the bread rise and achieve a fluffy texture.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
- Orange zest and juice: Freshly grated zest and squeezed juice are key for a vibrant orange flavor. Use organic oranges if possible to avoid pesticides.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the bread.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to complement the orange.
Substitutions:
- For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based milk instead of any potential dairy glaze.
- If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix, but note that the texture may differ slightly.
When selecting oranges, choose ones that are heavy for their size, indicating juiciness, and have a bright, unblemished skin for the best zest.
Professional Tips & Techniques
- Temperature Control: Preheat your oven to the correct temperature (350°F/175°C) to ensure even baking. An oven thermometer can help verify accuracy.
- Mixing Method: Combine wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing them together. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and prevents overmixing, which can lead to a tough texture.
- Zesting Technique: When zesting oranges, only grate the outer, colored part of the peel to avoid the bitter white pith underneath.
- Testing for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If it’s wet, continue baking for a few more minutes.
- Cooling: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps the bread set and makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking.
Recipe Variations
- Glazed Orange Bread: Whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tbsp of orange juice to create a glaze. Drizzle over the cooled bread for added sweetness.
- Nutty Orange Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Cranberry Orange Bread: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweet orange flavor.
- Chocolate Orange Bread: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Vegan Orange Bread: Substitute the eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a plant-based oil.
- Gluten-Free Orange Bread: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, and add 1 tsp of xanthan gum if the blend doesn’t already include it.
- Spiced Orange Bread: Add 1 tsp of ground cinnamon and 1/2 tsp of ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Lemon-Orange Bread: Use half orange zest and juice, and half lemon zest and juice for a citrusy twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast Delight: Serve slices of orange bread toasted with a smear of butter or cream cheese for a delicious start to the day.
- Afternoon Snack: Pair a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a refreshing break.
- Dessert Option: Drizzle with a sweet glaze and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Brunch Favorite: Add to a brunch spread alongside other baked goods and fresh fruit.
- Presentation Tip: Slice the bread and arrange on a platter, garnishing with a few slices of fresh orange for a pop of color.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with a citrus-infused yogurt or a fruit salad to complement the orange flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature Storage: Store the cooled orange bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Make-Ahead: The bread can be made a day in advance. Store it wrapped tightly at room temperature and slice just before serving.
- Reheating: To refresh the bread, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the bread a day in advance. Store it wrapped tightly at room temperature and slice just before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread.
Q: Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
A: Fresh orange juice is preferred for the best flavor, but you can use bottled juice in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% orange juice without added sugars.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have a loaf pan?
A: You can use a 9-inch round cake pan or muffin tins. Adjust the baking time accordingly; muffins will bake in about 20-25 minutes.
Q: Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can add fruits like cranberries or blueberries. Fold them into the batter before baking.
Q: How do I know when the bread is done?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed egg and use a plant-based oil. Adjust the recipe as needed for other vegan ingredients.
Q: What’s the best way to zest an orange?
A: Use a microplane grater or a zester to grate only the outer, colored part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Conclusion
This orange bread recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the fresh, citrusy flavor of oranges in a moist and tender loaf. With its easy preparation and versatile serving options, it’s perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and let the burst of citrus brighten your day.
Don’t forget to share your baking adventures on social media and leave a comment with your feedback. Enjoy your orange bread with a cup of tea or as a sweet treat to end your meal!
Orange Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1.5 tsp of baking powder, 0.5 tsp of baking soda, and 0.5 tsp of salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 tbsp of orange zest, 0.75 cup of fresh orange juice, 0.25 cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.