Looking for a simple, fragrant, and utterly delicious treat? This orange bread is the perfect choice! With its light and airy texture, vibrant citrus flavor, and beautiful golden color, it’s a versatile bake that works as well for breakfast as it does for an afternoon snack. Made with fresh orange juice and zest, this recipe brings out the natural sweetness and tanginess of oranges in every bite. Plus, it comes together quickly with just a handful of pantry staples. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, this orange bread will become a favorite in no time.
Orange juice cake
Winter is the perfect time to bake this delicious orange bread, as it’s the season when oranges are at their peak—juicy, sweet, and full of flavor. This recipe makes the most of fresh oranges by using both their juice and zest, bringing vibrant citrus notes to every bite. Squeezing your own orange juice not only enhances the flavor but also fills your kitchen with the refreshing aroma of fresh oranges. Simple to make and dairy-free, this cake is a wonderful way to celebrate the cozy winter season with a homemade treat that everyone will love!
Dairy-free orange cake
This orange bread is completely dairy-free (parve), making it the perfect choice for any occasion. Its bright citrus flavor and soft, moist texture make it an ideal dessert for a cozy winter weekend. Pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a simple yet satisfying treat that everyone can enjoy!
Baking Tips for Perfect Orange Bread
Use Fresh Oranges
Freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly grated zest provide the best flavor. Avoid bottled orange juice, as it may lack the vibrant citrus taste.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Let your eggs and orange juice come to room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter combine more evenly for a smoother texture.
Don't Overmix
When folding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mix gently and only until combined. Overmixing can deflate the batter and make the bread dense.
Prepare the Pan
Line your loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it well to ensure the bread releases easily after baking.
Check for Doneness
Start checking the bread around the 35-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
Enhance the Flavor
For extra citrus punch, drizzle a simple orange glaze on top after baking. Mix powdered sugar with a bit of orange juice until smooth, then pour it over the cooled loaf.
Storage
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze it tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.
Serve It Warm
Slightly warm slices are heavenly!
FAQS
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour will make the bread denser, while gluten-free blends may require additional adjustments for texture.
If fresh oranges aren’t available, you can use orange extract. Replace the zest with 1-2 teaspoons of orange extract and use store-bought orange juice, but fresh ingredients will provide the best flavor.
If your oven doesn’t have a fan setting, bake the bread at 190°C (375°F) instead of 180°C (350°F). You may need to check for doneness around the 35-minute mark.
Make sure not to overmix the batter, as this can deflate it. Also, avoid opening the oven door too early in the baking process, which can cause the bread to collapse.
Yes! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs. 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg.
Definitely! Popular additions include chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips. Add about ⅓ cup of your desired mix-ins to the batter before folding in the flour.
Yes! Divide the batter evenly into a muffin tin lined with paper liners. Bake at the same temperature (180°C/350°F) for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Other recipes to try:
Bake this easy orange bread today!
Don’t wait to treat yourself—this orange bread is quick, easy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor! With just a handful of pantry staples and no dairy, it’s the perfect light and airy dessert or snack. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet winter weekend, this delightful loaf is guaranteed to brighten your day. Bake it now, and your kitchen will smell incredible in no time!
Easy Orange Bread
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup orange juice
- Zest of one orange
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) with the fan setting.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar well until the mixture is light in color and has an airy texture.
- Gradually add the vegetable oil while continuing to whisk.
- Mix in the orange juice and orange zest.
- Sift the flour and baking powder into the bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter, trying to keep it as airy as possible.
- Transfer the batter to a loaf baking pan lined with parchment paper or greased.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the orange bread cool before slicing and serving.
Rachel
Yummy!
Ri
Thanks for the recipe, but what is the size of your loaf pan?
Renana
Thank you for your comment! The standard loaf pan size commonly used in Israel is approximately 25 cm x 10 cm (around 10 inches x 4 inches). If your pan is slightly different in size, it should still work fine—just keep an eye on the baking time and adjust as needed. Let me know if you have any other questions!