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Homemade orange bread recipe loaf with glaze on a white kitchen counter, overhead photo showing natural crumbs and cozy homemade feel.

Orange Bread Recipe

A homemade orange bread recipe that’s moist, citrus-loaded, and topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
Calories: 265
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Batter
  • 2 large oranges For zest and juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest Freshly grated
  • ¾ cup fresh orange juice From 2 oranges
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Substitute gluten-free 1:1 blend if needed
  • 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder Provides lift
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda Works with citrus acidity
  • ½ teaspoon salt Balances sweetness
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted Can sub coconut oil
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar Reduce to ⅔ cup for less sweet
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature, adds richness
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Flavor enhancer
  • ⅓ cup whole milk or buttermilk Buttermilk adds tang
Optional Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar Sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoon fresh orange juice Adjust consistency
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest For stronger flavor

Equipment

  • 1 9x5 inch loaf pan Standard size ensures even baking
  • 1 Microplane or fine grater For zesting oranges
  • 1 Citrus juicer Handheld or electric
  • 1 Wire cooling rack Prevents soggy bottoms
  • 1 Rubber spatula For gentle folding
  • 2 Mixing bowls One for wet, one for dry ingredients
  • 1 Whisk For smooth mixing
  • 1 Parchment paper For easy loaf removal

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F, prep loaf pan with butter & parchment.
  2. Zest and juice oranges. Set aside.
  3. Whisk flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
  4. Mix butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs, vanilla, zest, juice, and milk.
  5. Fold wet into dry gently with spatula. Don’t overmix.
  6. Pour batter into loaf pan, smooth top, tap twice.
  7. Bake 50–60 min. Check doneness with toothpick.
  8. Cool 15 min in pan, transfer to rack.
  9. Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled bread.

Notes

  • Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.