This moist orange loaf is bursting with zesty flavor. It’s made with fresh oranges and just the right amount of sweetness, making it perfect for breakfast or a snack!
When I bake this, my kitchen smells like a sunny day! ☀️ I love slicing it up warm and spreading a bit of butter on top—it’s just heavenly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oranges: Fresh oranges are key for both juice and zest. They add a bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use store-bought orange juice, but fresh is always best!
Butter: Unsalted butter provides a rich taste. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Sour cream or yogurt: Both add moisture. I love using sour cream for a rich taste, but plain yogurt works, too. Greek yogurt can make it thicker and creamier if you prefer!
Granulated sugar: This helps with sweetness and texture. For a healthier option, you could substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative, but the consistency may slightly change.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve a Light and Fluffy Loaf?
The key to a light and fluffy orange loaf lies in creaming the butter and sugar together properly. This introduces air into the mixture, which helps with rising.
- Beat the softened butter and sugar for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Make sure to add the eggs one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated before adding the next.
- When mixing in the flour and juice, do so gently until just combined. Over-mixing can make the loaf dense.
Lastly, remember to let the loaf cool in the pan for a bit to maintain its moisture. Happy baking!
Moist Orange Loaf with Zesty Flavor
Ingredients:
- For the Loaf:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful orange loaf recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and roughly 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, allow for 10 minutes of cooling in the pan, and then finish cooling on a wire rack. All in all, you’ll be enjoying this tasty treat in about 1 hour and 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, then dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents and ensures an even rise in your loaf. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Mix on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is crucial for a tender crumb!
4. Add Eggs:
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air and makes your loaf even fluffier.
5. Incorporate Zest and Vanilla:
Now mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract until well combined. This will give a wonderful aroma and flavor to the batter.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Next, alternately add the flour mixture and the fresh orange juice to the butter mixture. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix to keep the loaf light and airy.
7. Fold in the Sour Cream:
Fold in the sour cream gently. This will add moisture and create a tender loaf. Make sure there are no lumps. Your batter should be thick and well combined!
8. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake. It’s looking good already!
9. Bake the Loaf:
Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool the Loaf:
Once it’s baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps to prevent sogginess!
11. Make the Glaze:
While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed, adding more juice for a thinner glaze or more sugar for thickness.
12. Drizzle and Enjoy:
Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the glaze on top. If you like, sprinkle some extra orange zest for an added burst of flavor. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your moist and zesty orange loaf with a cup of tea or coffee!
Bon appétit! 🍰
FAQ for Moist Orange Loaf with Zesty Flavor
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be denser. You might want to replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to maintain a lighter texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Orange Loaf?
Store any leftover orange loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, place it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it in slices for up to 3 months.
Can I Freeze the Orange Loaf?
Absolutely! Once the loaf is completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain yogurt is a great substitute. Greek yogurt will work well too, adding a creamy consistency. You can also use buttermilk or milk with a splash of lemon juice if needed.
