Description
This Delicious Zucchini Orange Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf bursting with bright citrus notes and warm spices. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, it combines shredded zucchini for moisture and a special orange glaze to brighten each bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Ingredients
- 4 large eggs (Essential for structure and moisture.)
- 1.5 cups sugar (Sweetens the loaf.)
- 0.75 cups vegetable oil (Keeps the bread tender and moist.)
- 2/3 cups orange juice (Infuses a bright flavor.)
- 2 cups shredded unpeeled zucchini (Adds moisture.)
- 3.25 cups all-purpose flour (Forms the structure.)
- 1.5 tsp baking powder (Key leavening agent.)
- 1.5 tsp baking soda (Essential for rising.)
- 1 tsp salt (Balances sweetness.)
- 2 tsp grated orange zest (Intensifies citrus aroma.)
- 2.5 tsp ground cinnamon (Adds warmth.)
- 0.5 tsp ground cloves (Enhances spiced flavor.)
- 0.5 cups chopped nuts (optional) (Adds crunch.)
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar (Creates a smooth finish.)
- 2-3 tbsp orange juice (Adds citrus tang to the glaze.)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two loaf pans to prevent sticking.
- Beat the Eggs: In a large bowl, beat 4 large eggs until thick and pale to incorporate air and build structure in the bread.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in 0.75 cups vegetable oil, 2/3 cups orange juice, and 2 cups shredded unpeeled zucchini into the beaten eggs to combine moisture and flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3.25 cups all-purpose flour, 1.5 tsp baking powder, 1.5 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, 2 tsp grated orange zest, 2.5 tsp ground cinnamon, and 0.5 tsp ground cloves to evenly distribute leavening and spices.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently to avoid overmixing which could toughen the bread. Fold in 0.5 cups chopped nuts if using.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Loaves: Remove from oven and let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth to create a bright citrus glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle or spread the orange glaze over the cooled bread. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Using unpeeled zucchini adds extra moisture and fiber to the bread.
- Adjust the amount of orange juice in the glaze for desired consistency.
- Chopped nuts are optional but add a nice textural contrast.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
- This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for a refreshing treat.
