Homemade Orange Bread

Bright, citrusy, and wonderfully soft, this Homemade Orange Bread is a sweet and refreshing treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dessert. Made with fresh orange juice, zest, and a tender, buttery crumb, this quick bread delivers sunshine in every bite. Finished with an optional orange glaze, it’s a beautiful and flavorful loaf that’s as easy to make as it is to love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Moist & Tender – Buttery and soft with the perfect crumb.
Citrusy & Sweet – Made with real orange juice and zest for fresh, vibrant flavor.
Easy to Make – No yeast required and ready in just over an hour.
Perfect for Any Time – Serve for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Beautifully Glazed – Optional orange icing adds a sweet finish and extra citrus zing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Orange Bread:
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
⅓ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
1 tbsp orange zest (about 1 large orange)
½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Orange Glaze (Optional):
½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp orange juice
½ tsp orange zest
Pinch of salt

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Hand or stand mixer
Zester or microplane
Citrus juicer
Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
Whisk
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
3. Add in orange juice, orange zest, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Combine & Mix

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no flour remains.
2. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be thick and smooth.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
3. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.

Step 6: Cool the Loaf

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
2. Then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Step 7: Make the Orange Glaze (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, and a pinch of salt.
2. Adjust the consistency as needed—add more juice for a thinner glaze or more sugar to thicken.
3. Drizzle over the cooled bread and allow to set for a few minutes before slicing.

Tips for the Best Orange Bread
Use Fresh Orange Juice – It makes a big difference in flavor and brightness.
Don’t Skip the Zest – The zest contains essential oils that give a deep, real orange flavor.
Let It Cool – Glazing a warm loaf can cause the icing to melt and slide off.
Try Greek Yogurt – If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works just as well.
Make it Fancy – Add chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or a few chocolate chips for fun variations.

Serving Suggestions
Serve slices warm with a smear of butter or cream cheese.
Enjoy with coffee, tea, or a glass of orange juice for a citrus-packed breakfast.
Top with extra glaze and whipped cream for a light dessert.
Slice and toast for a golden, caramelized treat.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Wrap cooled loaf in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Freezing:
Wrap unglazed loaf tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then glaze before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bottled orange juice?
   Yes, but fresh-squeezed gives the best flavor. Use pulp-free juice for smoother texture.
2. Can I make this into muffins?
   Absolutely! Divide into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
3. Is this bread overly sweet?
   Not at all! It’s perfectly balanced with citrus brightness and subtle sweetness.
4. What’s a good glaze alternative?
   Try a simple dusting of powdered sugar or serve plain—it’s delicious either way.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Yes! Use plant-based butter and yogurt alternatives, and it will still come out great.

Final Thoughts
This Homemade Orange Bread is a sunshine-filled loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and easy to love. Whether you serve it plain or glazed, warm or chilled, it’s guaranteed to brighten your table. With its soft texture and zesty flavor, this bread is a beautiful balance of simplicity and indulgence.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your citrusy creation online—I’d love to see your homemade loaf shine.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 260 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 200mg

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