Orange Loaf
A moist, flavorful orange loaf combining the zesty brightness of orange with tender nuts and raisins, perfect for breakfast or teatime enjoyment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place orange juice, grated orange rind, boiling water, and raisins in a bowl.
- Add sugar, baking soda, butter, vanilla, and beaten egg to the mixture.
- Add flour, baking powder, salt, and chopped nuts, mixing until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a prepared loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Optional: Ice with thin powdered sugar icing if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist loaf, ensure not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates if desired. If you prefer a less sweet loaf, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the flavor profile, reminiscent of Pumpkin Bread (Mom'S Recipe).
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this Orange Loaf with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. It pairs beautifully with Easy Shrimp Or Fillet Au Gratin for a full meal experience. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh fruit for added flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slices in a toaster or microwave before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Loaf contains roughly 271 calories, with 4g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1276mg per serving (55% 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 fresh orange juice instead of bottled?
Yes, using fresh orange juice will enhance the flavor of the loaf. Just ensure you strain it to remove any pulp if you prefer a smoother texture.
What can I use instead of nuts?
If you have nut allergies or prefer not to include nuts, you can simply omit them or replace them with additional raisins or seeds, such as sunflower seeds, for added texture.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this Orange Loaf vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and replace the butter with a plant-based alternative. The results will still be delicious!
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).