Orange Cream Cheese Bread
A moist orange cream cheese bread with bright citrus flavor, perfect for breakfast or brunch, combining creamy, tangy, and nutty notes for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese and shortening, creaming well.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, beating well after each addition.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
- Mix well and stir in chopped nuts and orange rind.
- Pour into 2 greased and floured 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 3-inch loaf pans.
- Bake at 375°F for 55 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in pans for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle orange juice over the loaves.
- Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. You can also use unsweetened applesauce in place of shortening for a healthier fat option. If you're short on orange rind, lemon zest can provide a similar citrus flavor. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better blending.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. For a creative twist, try serving it alongside a fruit salad or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Orange Cream Cheese Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or toast lightly to refresh the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Cream Cheese Bread contains roughly 537 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (18% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), and calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 994mg per serving (43% 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 make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to ensure proper texture and rise.
How can I add more flavor to the bread?
In addition to the orange rind and juice, you can enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon. These spices complement the citrus nicely.
Can I freeze the Orange Cream Cheese Bread?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
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).