Are you craving a burst of sunshine on a chilly day? Then look no further! This incredibly moist and flavorful orange bread recipe is the perfect treat. It's easy enough for a beginner baker but impressive enough to wow seasoned cooks. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of zesty oranges and warm spices – this homemade orange bread is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. It's the ultimate quick dinner idea or afternoon snack!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
- Zest of 2 large oranges
- ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly risen loaf.
Step 2: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer, but you can do it by hand if you're feeling energetic! Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
Step 4: Add the Orange Zing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, and milk. Pour this mixture into the batter and gently stir until just incorporated. If using nuts, add them now.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes as ovens can vary.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice and enjoy this delicious, healthy meal addition!
Tips for the Best Orange Bread:
- Use fresh oranges: Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest provide the best flavor.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough bread.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the bread is baked through. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely before slicing prevents it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Lemon Bread: Substitute lemon juice and zest for the orange.
- Chocolate Orange Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Glazed Orange Bread: Make a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar with a little orange juice or milk.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Sugar: 15-20g
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. It’s a delicious and healthy addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking. Enjoy this delightful orange bread, and don’t hesitate to share your baking experience with us!