Description

This Fresh Orange Bread recipe offers a moist, tender loaf bursting with vibrant citrus flavor from fresh orange juice and zest. With a buttery crumb and optional sweet orange glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack. The step-by-step preparation ensures an airy, flavorful bread that’s pleasingly soft and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 whole large eggs
3 tablespoons orange zest
1/2 cup orange juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Glaze Ingredients (Optional)

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C). Grease or line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick and set it aside while you prepare the batter.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This incorporates air and helps the bread rise.
Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next, which helps maintain an even texture.
Mix in Orange Juice and Zest: Pour in the fresh orange juice and add the orange zest. Mix until well combined to infuse the batter with fresh citrus flavor.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined and no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Bake the Bread: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The bread is done when it springs back gently when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
Prepare and Apply Glaze (Optional): If desired, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth to create a glaze. Once the bread is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top for added sweetness and a shiny citrus finish.

Notes

Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best natural citrus flavor.
Do not overmix the batter; mix until the dry ingredients just disappear to keep the bread tender.
The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and vibrant orange aroma.
Allow the bread to cool completely before glazing to prevent melting the glaze.
Store bread wrapped tightly or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: orange bread, citrus bread, homemade bread, breakfast bread, orange glaze, moist bread, easy bread recipe