Sour Cream Orange Nut Loaf
A moist orange nut loaf infused with citrus and nuts, perfect for teatime or as a sweet snack, with a tangy orange glaze topping that enhances the flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grate the orange peel and set aside.
- Mix baking soda with sour cream in a large bowl; it will swell and almost double in size.
- Beat together sugar and shortening until creamy, then add eggs and mix well.
- Alternately add flour and a sprinkle of salt to the mixture, then fold in orange peel, walnuts and/or raisins, vanilla, and grated orange.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and immediately pour over the juice of the orange mixed with 1/2 cup sugar to create a glaze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, you can substitute half the shortening with applesauce or Greek yogurt. If you're out of walnuts, pecans or almonds work well too. To enhance the orange flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of orange zest along with the grated peel. Make sure to mix the baking soda thoroughly into the sour cream for proper leavening, ensuring a moist loaf.
Serving Suggestions
This loaf is delightful when served warm, especially with a spread of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. Consider serving it alongside a light salad, such as Flacky Flick Salad, to balance the sweetness. For a more indulgent dessert, top slices with a scoop of Creamy Smooth Ice Cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Sour Cream Orange Nut Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice the loaf and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or toast them lightly for a crisp texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sour Cream Orange Nut Loaf contains roughly 708 calories, with 5g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (96% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 800mg per serving (35% 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 substitute the sour cream with something else?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute for sour cream. Both will add moisture and a slight tanginess to the loaf. However, be cautious with the consistency; you may need to adjust the flour slightly if the batter becomes too runny.
How can I make this loaf gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper structure. Additionally, check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially the baking soda.
What can I do if I don't have an orange?
If you don't have an orange on hand, you can use another citrus fruit, such as lemon or lime, for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, orange juice can be used, but you might miss out on the zestiness. Just remember to adjust the sugar in the glaze accordingly to balance the tartness.
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).