Dad'S Orange Nut Bread
A moist, flavorful orange nut bread featuring fresh orange rind, dates, and crunchy pecans, perfect for breakfast or teatime with a citrusy twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine melted butter, orange juice, grated orange rind, chopped dates, sugar, egg, and pecans in a mixing bowl.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Blend the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using freshly squeezed orange juice and zest. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes. For a touch of sweetness, you can add a handful of chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the batter. Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
This orange nut bread is delightful for breakfast or as a snack. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with Green Beans Far East for a wholesome meal or can be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Consider adding a fruit salad for a refreshing side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm slices in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Orange Nut Bread contains roughly 898 calories, with 16g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 870mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
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 other types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds based on your preference. Just make sure to chop them finely to blend well into the batter.
What can I do if I don't have fresh oranges?
If fresh oranges are unavailable, you can use store-bought orange juice and orange zest. However, fresh ingredients typically provide a more vibrant flavor, so opt for them if possible.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the bread's structure.
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).