Mandarin Orange Bread
A moist and flavorful bread featuring sweet mandarin oranges and crunchy pecans, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, appealing to citrus lovers and nut enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine egg and sugar in a mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer.
- Add the mandarin oranges and their syrup, mixing well.
- Gradually add flour, chopped nuts, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Add enough reserved orange syrup to thin the batter to pouring consistency.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured 8x8-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until browned on top, about 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange extract to the batter. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts can be a great substitute. You can also use fresh mandarin oranges if canned are unavailable; just make sure to adjust the syrup accordingly. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise. If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar by 1/4 cup.
Serving Suggestions
This mandarin orange bread is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Serve it with a dollop of cream cheese or butter for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a delightful dessert, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a side of Crunch Munch Apples for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the mandarin orange bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mandarin Orange Bread contains roughly 166 calories, with 4g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 667mg per serving (29% 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 a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or even almonds, depending on your preference. Just ensure that the nuts are chopped finely to maintain the texture of the bread. If you have nut allergies, you can omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
How can I make this bread more moist?
To add more moisture to the bread, consider incorporating 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream into the batter. This will enhance the texture and keep the bread tender. Additionally, make sure not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf.
Can I freeze mandarin orange bread?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving, or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.
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).