Candy Orange Slice Bread
Candy Orange Slice Bread offers a moist, flavorful treat with chunks of candied orange and dates, perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack for fruit lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the candy orange slices and toss with 1 cup of flour, ensuring each piece is dusted.
- Add chopped dates to the candy and flour mixture.
- Cream margarine and eggs together until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix 4 cups of flour, 2 cups of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk, and mix well.
- Stir in the chopped dates and candy orange slice mixture.
- Pour the batter into three greased and floured bread pans.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra moisture, consider adding a tablespoon of orange juice to the batter. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. To enhance the flavor, try using a mix of walnuts and pecans instead of just nuts. Dusting the candy orange slices in flour helps prevent them from sinking in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This Candy Orange Slice Bread is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a spread of cream cheese or butter. Serve it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. You can also slice it and serve it with a fruity side salad for a refreshing contrast. It’s perfect for brunch or as a sweet snack.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place the wrapped bread in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Candy Orange Slice Bread contains roughly 707 calories, with 12g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh oranges instead of candy orange slices?
While fresh oranges can be used, they will change the texture and flavor of the bread. Candy orange slices provide a concentrated sweetness and chewy texture that is crucial to this recipe. If you prefer a more natural option, consider using dried orange peels or candied citrus zest mixed with sugar.
What can I substitute for margarine in this recipe?
You can substitute margarine with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor, or use a plant-based butter for a dairy-free alternative. If you need a lower-fat option, applesauce can be used, but this may alter the texture of the bread slightly.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Additionally, the top should be golden brown and the edges should start to pull away from the sides of the pan. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).