Sally Thompson
Enjoy a moist, flavorful, and citrusy twist on classic zucchini bread with this Orange Zucchini Bread. This delightful treat combines the fresh zest of oranges with the subtle earthiness of zucchini, resulting in a perfectly balanced, tender loaf. Lightly sweetened and finished with a citrus glaze, this bread is ideal for breakfast, snacking, or even as a dessert.
A Perfect Blend of Citrus and Moist Zucchini
Zucchini bread is known for its incredible moist texture, and adding orange brings a refreshing, zesty flavor. The natural sweetness of the oranges pairs beautifully with the mild taste of zucchini, making this loaf both nutritious and indulgent.
Whether you enjoy it warm with a cup of tea or as an afternoon snack, this Orange Zucchini Bread will brighten up your day with its vibrant flavors. Plus, it’s a great way to use up extra zucchini in a delicious and creative way!
Ingredients for Orange Zucchini Bread
To achieve the perfect balance of moisture, sweetness, and citrus flavor, you’ll need a few simple yet essential ingredients.
- Zucchini – Grated fresh zucchini adds incredible moisture and a hint of earthiness while keeping the bread soft and tender.
- Orange Zest & Juice – The zest provides a bright, citrusy aroma, while the juice enhances the flavor and keeps the loaf moist.
- All-Purpose Flour – A staple for a light yet sturdy bread texture. You can also substitute with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds the right amount of sweetness to complement the citrus and zucchini.
- Eggs – Help bind the ingredients together, ensuring a soft and fluffy texture.
- Vegetable Oil – Keeps the bread moist and tender while adding richness.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – These leavening agents help the bread rise beautifully, making it light and airy.
- Cinnamon & Vanilla Extract – Add warmth and depth to the flavor, making every bite even more delicious.
- Salt – Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Orange Zucchini Bread
This recipe is easy to follow, and the results are irresistibly soft and flavorful. Here’s how to prepare it step by step:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
Wash and grate the zucchini using a fine grater. Squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel to prevent the bread from becoming too dense.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in the Zucchini
Gently fold the grated zucchini into the batter, ensuring it is evenly distributed. This will help keep the bread moist and flavorful.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. For extra citrusy goodness, drizzle with an orange glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice.
Slice, serve, and enjoy this fragrant and moist Orange Zucchini Bread! 🍊🥒
How Long to Bake Orange Zucchini Bread
The baking time can vary depending on your oven and the size of your loaf pan. Here’s a general guide:
- Standard Loaf Pan (9×5 inch) – Bake for 50-55 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Smaller Loaf Pans (Mini Loaves) – Bake for 30-35 minutes at the same temperature.
- Muffins – If you prefer making muffins, bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
To ensure perfect doneness, check the center of the loaf with a toothpick—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this bread stores well and even tastes better the next day as the flavors develop!
- Room Temperature – Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for 2-3 days.
- Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezer – Wrap the loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave before enjoying.
Tips for the Best Orange Zucchini Bread
To make sure your zucchini bread turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Skip Draining the Zucchini – Excess moisture can make the bread too dense, so gently squeeze out the grated zucchini before adding it to the batter.
- Use Fresh Orange Zest and Juice – This gives the best citrus flavor compared to bottled juice.
- Do Not Overmix – Overmixing can make the bread dense and tough. Stir until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Try Different Toppings – A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of orange glaze, or even chopped nuts can add extra flavor and texture.
- Make It Healthier – Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly for a healthier version.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes! You can substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour or use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
2. Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, there’s no need to peel the zucchini. The skin is soft and blends into the bread, adding color and nutrients.
3. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips make great additions to enhance the flavor and texture.
This Orange Zucchini Bread is soft, flavorful, and packed with citrusy goodness—perfect for any time of the day! 🍊🥒
Print
Orange Zucchini Bread
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minute
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
Description
This Orange Zucchini Bread is a moist, citrusy, and flavorful twist on classic zucchini bread. The fresh zest and juice of oranges add a bright, refreshing taste, while the zucchini keeps it soft and tender. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this loaf is easy to make and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (excess moisture removed)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare the zucchini by washing, grating, and squeezing out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the zucchini gently to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
- Glaze (Optional): Mix powdered sugar with orange juice and drizzle over the cooled bread.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
- To make muffins, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
