Orange-Pecan Bread
A moist, flavorful orange-pecan bread with bright citrus notes and crunchy pecans, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a teatime treat for those who enjoy sweet, nutty flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins, cut fine ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon grated orange rind ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons shortening, melted and cooled ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the beaten egg, orange juice, finely chopped raisins, grated orange rind, melted and cooled shortening, and vanilla in a mixing bowl.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar; then add to the orange mixture and mix well.
- Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into a well-greased 5 x 9 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 325 to 350°F for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you don’t have raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dates can be great substitutes. To enhance the orange flavor, try adding a splash of orange extract. Make sure to check the bread around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Serving Suggestions
Slice and serve the Orange-Pecan Bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a spread of cream cheese or butter for breakfast or as a snack. For a delightful afternoon tea, serve it alongside a cup of Wedding Bell Punch. It also makes a great gift for friends or family during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the Orange-Pecan Bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it moist. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven for a warm treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange-Pecan Bread contains roughly 568 calories, with 6g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1134mg per serving (49% 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 store-bought?
Absolutely! Fresh orange juice will give your bread a vibrant flavor. Just ensure it's properly strained for a smooth batter. The zest from the fresh oranges will also enhance the overall taste, making it even more aromatic.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Orange-Pecan Bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder and any other ingredients used are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I add other nuts or fruit to the recipe?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. You can also add other fruits such as chopped apples or dried apricots for additional flavor and texture. Just be mindful of the moisture content when adding fresh fruit.
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).