Homemade Orange Bread

Bright, citrusy, and irresistibly soft, this Homemade Orange Bread is the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Bursting with fresh orange flavor and finished with a sweet orange glaze, it’s a moist and fluffy loaf that’s easy to make and even easier to love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft & Moist – Thanks to fresh orange juice and yogurt, this bread stays tender for days.
Naturally Sweet & Tangy – Made with real orange zest and juice for that vibrant citrus punch.
No Mixer Needed – Simple, fuss-free recipe you can whip up with just a whisk.
Perfect for Gifting – Looks beautiful, smells amazing, and tastes even better.
Freezer-Friendly – Bake ahead and freeze slices for a quick, delicious treat anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Orange Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup plain yogurt (or sour cream)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup fresh orange juice (from 2–3 oranges)
• 1 tbsp orange zest (packed)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Orange Glaze:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice
• ½ tsp orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Citrus zester or fine grater
• Juicer (manual or electric)
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, combine sugar and orange zest.
Rub them together with your fingers to release the natural oils from the zest.
Whisk in eggs, yogurt, vegetable oil, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Gently stir with a spatula or whisk until just combined—don’t overmix.
The batter should be thick but smooth.

Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 15 minutes.

Step 6: Cool the Bread
Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Step 7: Make the Orange Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice (start with 2 tbsp, add more for thinner consistency).
Stir in orange zest if using.
Drizzle over the cooled bread, letting it drip down the sides.

Step 8: Slice & Enjoy
Once the glaze sets, slice your orange bread and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

Tips for Success
Use Fresh Oranges – Freshly squeezed juice and zest make a huge difference in flavor.
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined to keep the bread light and tender.
Cool Completely Before Glazing – Otherwise, the glaze will melt right off.
Double the Recipe – Make one loaf to eat and one to freeze for later!

Serving Suggestions
Warm with Butter – Serve slices slightly toasted with a pat of butter for a cozy breakfast.
Topped with Cream Cheese – Add a spread of cream cheese for a tangy twist.
With Fresh Berries – Serve alongside strawberries or blueberries for a colorful plate.
Afternoon Tea – Pairs beautifully with a warm mug of chamomile or green tea.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving.

Freezing:
Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Reheating:
Microwave slices for 10–15 seconds or toast lightly to refresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh juice is highly recommended for best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

2. What can I substitute for yogurt?
You can use sour cream or buttermilk as a 1:1 replacement.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

4. Can I skip the glaze?
Of course! The bread is flavorful enough on its own, but the glaze adds a nice touch.

5. How do I prevent the bread from over-browning?
Cover loosely with foil if the top is getting too dark before the center is cooked through.

Final Thoughts
This Homemade Orange Bread is sunshine in a loaf—bright, fragrant, and so easy to make. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, tea time, or dessert, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With its soft crumb and citrusy glaze, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Bake it for your family, bring it to a potluck, or enjoy a slice all to yourself with a cozy cup of coffee.

Let me know how your loaf turns out—leave a comment below and share your baking adventures!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 210mg

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