Zesty Orange Cream Cheese Walnut Bread
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Zesty Orange Cream Cheese Walnut Bread. This moist and flavorful quick bread combines the richness of cream cheese with the bright, citrusy notes of orange, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. The addition of crunchy walnuts adds a lovely texture, while the sweet aroma of fresh orange peel will fill your kitchen with cheer. This versatile recipe can also be enhanced with dried cranberries for an extra burst of flavor. Whether enjoyed plain, toasted, or slathered with butter, this bread is sure to impress everyone at your table!
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Shortening
1/2 cup (softened)
Granulated Sugar
1 2/3 cups
Eggs
2 (large)
All-Purpose Flour
2 1/4 cups
Salt
1 teaspoon
Baking Powder
1 tablespoon
Milk
1 cup
Walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
Orange Peel
2 tablespoons (grated)
Orange Juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour two 8-1/2 x 4-1/2 x 3-inch loaf pans.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shortening. Beat with an electric mixer until well blended and creamy.
3
Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Reduce the mixer speed to low, and alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
6
Fold in the chopped walnuts, grated orange peel, and orange juice until evenly distributed.
7
Divide the batter equally between the prepared loaf pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.
9
Once baked, let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Drizzle remaining orange juice over the tops for added flavor and moisture.
10
Carefully remove the loaves from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Orange Cream Cheese Walnut Bread?
It is a moist and flavorful quick bread that combines the richness of cream cheese with bright citrus notes of orange and crunchy walnuts.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Quick Bread.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 16 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to for baking?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
What size loaf pans are recommended for this recipe?
You should use two 8-1/2 x 4-1/2 x 3-inch loaf pans.
How should I prepare the loaf pans?
The loaf pans should be greased and floured before adding the batter.
What are the main fats used in this bread recipe?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of softened shortening.
How much granulated sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 1 2/3 cups of granulated sugar.
How should the eggs be added to the mixture?
Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until they are fully incorporated.
What dry ingredients are needed?
The dry ingredients include 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
How should I incorporate the dry ingredients and milk?
Alternately add the flour mixture and the milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the flour.
What mixer speed should be used when adding the flour?
The mixer speed should be reduced to low when adding the dry ingredients and milk.
Is it okay to overmix the batter?
No, you should only mix until the ingredients are just combined to maintain the proper texture.
How many walnuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.
How much orange peel should I use?
You should use 2 tablespoons of grated orange peel.
How much orange juice is needed for the batter?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
How should the batter be divided?
Divide the batter equally between the two prepared loaf pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
How long does the bread take to bake?
The bread should bake for approximately 55 minutes.
How can I tell if the loaves are fully cooked?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.
How long should the bread cool in the pans?
Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes after removing them from the oven.
What should be drizzled over the bread after baking?
Drizzle any remaining orange juice over the tops of the loaves for extra flavor and moisture.
Where should the bread cool after being removed from the pans?
Transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I add other fruits to this bread?
Yes, the recipe suggests that dried cranberries can be added for an extra burst of flavor.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour.
What occasions is this bread suitable for?
It is a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack.
Should the cream cheese and shortening be at room temperature?
Yes, both the cream cheese and the shortening should be softened for better blending.
How many loaves does this recipe make?
This recipe makes two loaves.
How should the bread be served?
It can be enjoyed plain, toasted, or slathered with butter.
What provides the crunchy texture in the bread?
The chopped walnuts provide a lovely crunchy texture.
How much milk is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of milk.