Orange Zucchini Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe
Introduction
Orange Zucchini Bread is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining the freshness of zucchini with the bright citrus flavor of orange. This moist and tender bread is perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack any time of day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of 2 oranges
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, flour, sugar, eggs, and orange zest. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth batter.
- Step 2: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the bread is set.
- Step 3: While the bread is cooling, prepare the orange glaze by mixing fresh orange juice with a little powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, try adding ½ cup melted butter or oil to the batter.
- You can substitute orange zest with lemon zest for a different citrus twist.
- Adding a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips can add texture and flavor.
Storage
Store the orange zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat slices gently in a microwave or toaster oven if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen zucchini instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it to remove excess moisture before adding it to the batter.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking, making sure to follow the package instructions for best results.
PrintOrange Zucchini Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe
This Orange Zucchini Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf that combines the freshness of zucchini with a bright citrus twist from orange zest and juice. Topped with a sweet orange glaze, it’s a perfect treat for breakfast, snack, or dessert, offering a delightful balance of moist texture and zesty sweetness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Bread
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
For the Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a box grater and then squeeze out any excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined to ensure a uniform rise and flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vegetable oil (or melted butter), orange zest, and orange juice, mixing well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, folding gently. Then fold in the grated zucchini until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour in the batter, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the Orange Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and optional orange zest until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Bread: Drizzle the orange glaze evenly over the cooled bread. Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the zucchini to avoid a soggy loaf.
- You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor if desired.
- For a nutty crunch, consider folding in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
Keywords: orange zucchini bread, zucchini bread with orange glaze, moist zucchini bread, citrus zucchini bread
