Orange Nut Bread is a fragrant, flavorful quick bread that combines the bright, citrusy taste of orange with the earthy crunch of chopped nuts. This delightful loaf is tender, moist, and subtly sweet, with a zesty orange glaze that adds a touch of extra flavor and shine. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, Orange Nut Bread is easy to make and brings a little sunshine to any occasion. The combination of fresh orange zest and juice makes it refreshing, while the nuts add a satisfying texture and richness to each bite.
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- ¾ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- â…“ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Orange Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp orange juice
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice, milk, egg, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
- Combine and Fold in Nuts: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped nuts, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.
Enjoy this Orange Nut Bread as a citrusy, nutty treat that’s perfect for any time of day, bringing a burst of fresh orange flavor to every slice!