Orange Nut Bread Recipe (Orange Peel + Juice)

Name: Orange Nut Bread
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8-10+ servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium sized orange; 1 cup raisin or dates; 2 tablespoons melted shortening; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1 egg, well beaten; 2 cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon soda; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup chopped nuts

This Orange Nut Bread is a classic quick bread flavored with fresh orange peel and juice. With nuts and raisins (or dates), it bakes into a bright, old-fashioned loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing. The ingredients are simple and accessible: one medium orange (juice and peel), a cup of raisins or dates, melted shortening, vanilla, a beaten egg, flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, sugar, and chopped nuts. Preheat your oven to 350°F, and you’re ready to start. The process begins by juicing the orange and topping it off with boiling water to make a full cup, then grinding the peel with raisins for a textured base. Mix in the wet ingredients, sift and stir in the dry ones, fold in the nuts, and bake in a lined 5x9-inch pan for about an hour. Swap raisins for dates or experiment with walnuts or pecans for a personal twist.

Orange Nut Bread

Instructions
Pour juice from Orange in standard 8 oz measuring cup; Add boiling water to fill cup. Remove most of white membrane from orange peel. Put peel through food chopper with raisins, using course blade, add diluted orange juice. Stir in shortening, vanilla and egg. Add flour sifted with salt, baking powder, soda and sugar. Mix well, stir in nuts. Bake in waxed paper lined pan 5 by 9 inches at 350° for about 1 hour.
Total Cook Time - 1 hour
Equipment - pan 5 by 9 inches
Servings about 8-10+ servings

Orange Nut Bread FAQ

Why use both orange peel and orange juice?

The peel adds concentrated orange aroma, while the juice adds bright citrus flavor and moisture to the loaf.

Can I use raisins or dates?

Yes. This recipe works well with either raisins or chopped dates—use whichever you prefer.

What nuts work best in orange nut bread?

Walnuts and pecans are classic choices, but any chopped nuts you like will work.

How do I know when the bread is done?

The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs).

How should I store orange nut bread?

Wrap tightly or store in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for 2–3 days, refrigerate for longer freshness, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Orange Nut Bread Recipe

Classic Orange Nut Bread Recipe