Orange Zucchini Bread
When you think of zucchini bread, even though you have made it a hundred times and you know exactly what is in it, doesn’t part of you think that it has got to be somewhat healthy because it has veggies in it? I definitely do! But the reality is that it has enough sugar and oil to rival a cake or cookie. That doesn’t change the fact that I love zucchini bread and that my garden is exploding with zucchini and so I practically have to make it. Once a long time ago a friend made a chocolate chip orange zucchini bread. It was to die for. This friend is an excellent cook, but definitely not on the healthy side of things. Since then, I have searched and searched for a recipe and finally came up with this one.
I made this to take to a family dinner, and my dad does not really like chocolate chips in his baked goods (crazy!) and so I made one with walnuts. Also, I just sprinkled them on the top in case other people don’t like nuts and so you could just cut off the nut layer on top. I personally thought both versions were delicious!
This bread is your basic run-of-the-mill quick bread with a few ingredients added, and a few ingredients taken away. I love the hint of orange flavor combined with the chocolate chips – but I also love the crunchy texture of the walnuts in the other loaf. Either way, this bread is a crowd pleaser. You can double or even triple the recipe and freeze the extra loaves for the next time you get a craving but don’t have fresh zucchini – or don’t have an hour to let it bake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Orange Zucchini Bread is a delightful twist on traditional zucchini bread. The combination of orange and zucchini creates a moist texture and a refreshing taste that will make it a favorite in your household. Plus, the option to add chocolate chips or walnuts means there’s a version for everyone to enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer
- 2 loaf pans (8×4 or 9×5)
- Wire cooling rack
- Small bowl for glaze
Ingredients
Bread
- 4 eggs
- 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
- 3⁄4 cup oil
- 2⁄3 cup orange juice
- 2 cups shredded unpeeled zucchini
- 3 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons grated orange rind
- 2 1⁄2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1⁄2 teaspoon clove
- 1⁄2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 – 3 tablespoons orange juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour the bottoms only of two 8×4 or 9×5 loaf pans.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs until thick and lemon-colored. Gradually beat in the sugar.
- Add the oil, orange juice, and zucchini to the egg mixture.
- Stir in the remaining bread ingredients and mix well.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pans. Cool slightly on a rack.
- In a small bowl, blend the glaze ingredients and spread over warm loaves.
- Cool completely on a wire rack. Wrap tightly and store in the refrigerator.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your zucchini is well-shredded for a smoother batter.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly or skip the glaze.
- Check the bread a few minutes before the suggested baking time, as ovens can vary.
Additional Tips or Variations
Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for added depth of flavor. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving of this bread is approximately 250 calories, with a good source of vitamin C from the orange juice and zest. The zucchini adds fiber and moisture to the bread, making it a slightly healthier option than traditional sweet breads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this bread gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
How should I store the bread? Wrap the bread tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Can I skip the glaze? Absolutely! The bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds a nice citrusy touch.
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited to try this Orange Zucchini Bread as I am to share it with you. It’s a delightful recipe that brings together the best of summer flavors. When you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Feel free to leave a comment and share your experience!