Orange Quick Bread

Quick, easy and delicious, if you like oranges then this is the bread for you! This Orange Quick Bread contains orange zest instead of orange juice, it is moist and the perfect bread to wake up to in the morning!

Quick breads rise thanks to a leavening agent, either baking soda or baking powder, and they have a distinct cake-like texture, but if you enjoy a regular bread made with yeast then this Homemade Orange Bread is just what you’ve been looking for!

Breads made with fruit are some of my favorite ones to make. The fruit makes the bread naturally sweeter and with all the options there are out there you can really be as creative as you want with your recipes! Some of my favorite quick breads include Strawberry Bread, Easy Coconut Bread and Double Chocolate Banana Bread.

When the bread is ready and completely cool, I like to drizzle the top with an orange glaze and brush it all over the loaf. The syrup not only gives it a nice shine, but it also keeps the bread moist for longer. But if you prefer you can always sprinkle some powdered sugar on top instead.

Ingredients

This citrus bread is made by using typical quick bread ingredients plus orange zest.

• Orange Zest – Using the zest instead of orange juice gives this bread a stronger orange flavor.
• All Purpose Flour
• Baking Powder – It’s the leavening agent of choice for this bread. It helps the bread rise and creates that nice dome on top.
• Salt – It’s used to boost the flavor of the other ingredients used in the recipe.
• Granulated Sugar – Creates tenderness in the orange loaf cake.
• Butter
• Eggs
• Milk – The liquid used in this quick bread recipe moistens the batter.

How to Make Orange Quick Bread

In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the butter and mix to form coarse crumbs. Stir in the zest.

In a medium bowl whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Add the wet to the dry ingredients and stir just until flour is moistened (about 15-16 stirs).

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for approximately 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

When ready, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

What Method is Used to Prepare Quick Breads?

Quick breads are usually prepared using three different methods.

• Blending – The dry ingredients are combined in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another and then the dry are mixed in the wet to create the batter.
• Creaming – The fat (usually butter or oil) and sugar are beaten together to create an airy and light mixture. The eggs are then added and finally the dry ingredients are folded in to create the batter. This method is usually used to make muffins as well.
• Biscuit Method – The dry ingredients are sifted together, and then the fat get added to the mix to create a coarse mixture. The dry mix gets added to the wet mix and folded in to create a dense batter which will create a denser, but still flaky consistency.

The method used determines what kind of texture and crumb the bread will have after baking.

How to Make an Orange Glaze

Adding an orange syrup on top of this bread can be a very good choice. The syrup keeps the bread moist and it adds some more sweetness and orange flavor to the loaf.

• In a small pot add the juice and sugar. Heat over medium heat stirring constantly. Bring to a boil until thickened.
• Brush over warm bread or cooled bread.

Storing and Freezing

Orange Quick Bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic for 3-4 days.

It can also be frozen. Wrap it in plastic and place in a freezer bag. It will keep for about 3 months. When you’re ready to consume the bread, let it thaw at room temperature and then warm a slice up.

Fall weather calls for oranges and when life gives us oranges we make this Easy Orange Bread! Enjoy!