Classic Orange Bread
A fragrant, moist quick bread bursting with fresh citrus flavor and a tender crumb that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee.
Ingredients
- •2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
- •1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- •1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- •0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- •0.5 teaspoon salt
- •1 large egg, room temperature
- •0.75 cup fresh orange juice (180ml)
- •1 tablespoon orange zest, freshly grated
- •0.33 cup vegetable oil (80ml)
- •0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, 60g)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with oil or non-stick cooking spray.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 3
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, orange juice, orange zest, and vegetable oil until well combined.
- 4
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula just until the flour is moistened; do not overmix.
- 5
Fold in the chopped nuts if using.
- 6
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- 7
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 8
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
💡 Chef tips
- For a more intense citrus flavor, add an extra teaspoon of orange zest to the batter.
- To store, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil; it stays moist at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer a glaze, mix 0.5 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice and drizzle over the cooled loaf.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished bread should have a golden-brown crust, a soft and moist interior with a bright, aromatic citrus scent, and a balanced sweet-tart orange flavor.