Classic Orange Bread
A moist, fragrant quick bread bursting with bright citrus flavor and a tender, cake-like crumb.
Ingredients
- •2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
- •1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- •1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- •1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- •3/4 cup fresh orange juice (180ml)
- •1/4 cup vegetable oil (60ml)
- •1 large egg, room temperature
- •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter 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 orange juice, orange zest, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- 4
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula just until the flour streaks disappear; do not overmix.
- 5
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- 6
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 7
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
💡 Chef tips
- For an extra citrus punch, whisk 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of orange juice and drizzle over the cooled loaf.
- Ensure your orange juice is freshly squeezed for the best flavor, as store-bought juice often contains preservatives that can alter the taste.
- This bread tastes even better the next day, as the orange oils have more time to permeate the crumb; store it wrapped in plastic at room temperature for up to 3 days.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished bread should have a golden-brown crust, a soft and moist interior with visible bits of zest, and a refreshing, aromatic orange scent.