Orange Nut Loaf
A moist and flavorful orange nut loaf featuring the bright citrus flavor of orange combined with crunchy pecans or walnuts. Perfect for breakfast, teatime, or as a delightful dessert, this loaf offers a tender crumb infused with orange zest and juice, topped with a sweet orange glaze and garnished with zest.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine baking mix, sugar, eggs, orange rind, and orange juice in a large mixing bowl.
- Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer for 3 minutes.
- Fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Pour batter into a well-greased 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes; remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Drizzle with orange glaze and garnish with orange zest, if desired.
- Slice and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure you don't overmix the batter after adding the nuts. If you don't have buttermilk baking mix, you can substitute with a mix of all-purpose flour and baking powder. For a twist, consider using chopped dried cranberries or chocolate chips instead of nuts. Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness of the loaf.
Serving Suggestions
This Orange Nut Loaf is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving it with a spread of cream cheese or butter for added richness. For a festive touch, drizzle with orange glaze and garnish with orange zest. It also makes a great addition to brunch alongside dishes like Refrigerated Mashed Potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice the loaf and warm in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through. This will help maintain its moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Nut Loaf contains roughly 132 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% 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?
Absolutely! While pecans and walnuts are traditional, feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size for even distribution in the batter.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice on hand, you can use apple juice or a mix of lemon juice and water for a tangy flavor. Another option is to use a citrus-flavored soda for a sweeter twist.
How can I tell when the loaf is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. It's important to check the loaf a few minutes before the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking.
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).