Orange Zucchini Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe

Say hello to your new obsession: Orange Zucchini Bread with Orange Glaze. This sun-kissed loaf is everything a quick bread should be—moist, bursting with citrus, and finished with a shiny, sweet glaze that takes each bite over the top. Zucchini brings tender texture while orange zest and juice infuse every slice with zingy flavor. Whether you’re baking for brunch, dessert, or just because, Orange Zucchini Bread with Orange Glaze is a treat that brightens any day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients—each one in Orange Zucchini Bread with Orange Glaze plays a starring role! The list is wonderfully straightforward, but these components come together to make magic. Here’s why each item matters:

• Large eggs: Essential for binding everything together and giving your bread rich structure.
• Sugar: Brings just the right amount of sweetness and helps achieve that perfectly golden crust.
• Vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the crumb ultra-moist and tender—it’s the secret to a luscious loaf.
• Vanilla: Adds warm, aromatic undertones that play up the orange beautifully.
• Zest and juice of 1 large orange: Delivers that punchy citrus flavor and gorgeous fragrance. Fresh is best!
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for your bread, contributing to its perfect sliceable texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the flavors and makes the sweetness sing.
• Cardamom (optional): Offers a subtle, floral lift—a little goes a long way!
• Baking soda: An important leavener that gives the loaf a gentle rise.
• Zucchini: Two cups of grated zucchini add incredible moistness without making the bread heavy—plus, it sneaks in some veggies!
• Butter (melted): Helps build a luxurious, rich glaze that clings beautifully to each slice.
• Powdered sugar: The base of that classic, pourable glaze for the perfect finish.

How to Make Orange Zucchini Bread with Orange Glaze

Step 1: Prep the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk those eggs until frothy, then beat in the sugar, oil, vanilla, and all that glorious orange zest and juice. The citrus aroma will start lifting off the bowl—promise, it’s delightful!

Step 2: Whisk Up the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cardamom (if you’re using it), and baking soda. This little step makes sure everything is evenly blended and ready to join the party.

Step 3: Combine and Add Zucchini

Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry, and then fold in your grated zucchini. Don’t overwork the batter—the less you stir, the more tender your Orange Zucchini Bread with Orange Glaze will be.

Step 4: Prepare the Pans

Line two loaf pans with foil or parchment, letting it hang generously over the sides for easy removal (this is truly a must for this sticky, moist bread). Give them a good spray of non-stick spray for insurance.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Divide your batter evenly between the prepared pans. Pop them in a 350-degree oven, and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’re looking for golden tops and edges, and a toothpick poked in the middle should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Remove from Pans

Let the loaves cool in their pans for about 15–20 minutes on a wire rack. Then, run a knife around any sticky edges and lift the loaves out using your parchment handles. This step ensures nothing sticks and you get those gorgeous, intact loaves.

Step 7: Mix the Orange Glaze

While the bread is cooling, whisk together the melted butter, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla, and powdered sugar in a bowl. You can adjust the consistency by adding a bit more powdered sugar or a splash of water. The glaze should pour, but not run off too easily.

Step 8: Glaze and Enjoy!

Once the loaves are completely cool, drizzle the orange glaze over the tops. Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then slice and serve. The finish is sweet, citrusy, and perfectly complements the moist bread underneath.

How to Serve Orange Zucchini Bread with Orange Glaze

Garnishes

For a pretty finish, sprinkle extra orange zest or finely chopped pistachios on top of the glaze before it sets. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a dreamy, bakery-style touch, making every slice look picture-perfect.

Side Dishes

Serve Orange Zucchini Bread with Orange Glaze alongside a platter of fresh berries, sliced melon, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a complete brunch spread. A hot cup of coffee or a pot of herbal tea make it even more delightful.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing this bread to a party or gifting it, cut thick slices, stack them, and wrap in parchment with a bright ribbon. For a showstopper breakfast, toast a slice lightly and spread with a bit of whipped cream cheese—a little indulgent, a lot of wow!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Orange Zucchini Bread with Orange Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The glaze helps seal in moisture, so the bread stays soft and flavorful even after sitting on the counter.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or whole loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Wait to glaze until after you thaw, though, for the best texture and appearance.

Reheating

To refresh, pop a thawed or refrigerated slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a toaster oven. This brings back that just-baked aroma and gives the glaze a slight melt, making each bite taste like it’s fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! Yellow squash works just as well as zucchini and will keep the color slightly lighter, but you’ll still end up with a moist, delicious loaf.

Do I have to peel the zucchini?

No peeling required—the skin is soft and practically disappears as the bread bakes. Plus, it adds lovely green flecks for visual appeal.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, just swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The Orange Zucchini Bread with Orange Glaze will still be moist and flavorful with this adjustment.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Add up to a cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a scattering of chocolate chips for a fun variation. Just fold them in with the zucchini for even distribution.

Why is my glaze too thick or too runny?

The juiciness of oranges can vary, so just add more powdered sugar for thickness or a splash of water for thinning until you get a creamy, pourable texture that clings to the bread without running off.

Final Thoughts

Next time you need a little sunshine in your day, bake up a loaf of Orange Zucchini Bread with Orange Glaze. It’s easy, bright, and guaranteed to impress—so don’t wait for a special occasion! Share a warm slice with friends or enjoy it solo with a cozy cup of tea. Happy baking!

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