Zesty Orange Pumpkin Bread
Indulge in the comforting flavors of autumn with this delightful Zesty Orange Pumpkin Bread. Perfectly moist and rich with the natural sweetness of pumpkin, this bread is elevated by the vibrant citrus notes of fresh orange. Featuring the warm spices of cinnamon and clove and finished with a crunchy texture from pecans and sweet bites of dates or raisins, this recipe yields two loaves, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends or savoring as a delicious snack throughout the week. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or as a delightful dessert.
N/A
Servings
175
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
shortening
2/3 cup (softened)
sugar
2 2/3 cups (granulated)
orange
1 medium (cut into wedges with seeds removed)
water
2/3 cup (for blending with orange)
eggs
4 (large)
pumpkin
1 (16 ounce) can (not pumpkin pie filling)
flour
3 1/3 cups (all-purpose)
baking soda
2 teaspoons (dry)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (table or kosher)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
clove
1 teaspoon (ground)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
chopped pecans
2/3 cup (optional, for added crunch)
chopped dates (or raisins)
2/3 cup (for sweetness)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9x5-inch loaf pans with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
2
Take one medium-sized orange, cut it into wedges, and remove any seeds and membranes. Place the orange wedges in a blender along with 2/3 cup of water and blend until smooth to create a puree.
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 2/3 cup of shortening and 2 2/3 cups of sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4
Add the orange puree to the creamed mixture and blend well. Then, add 4 eggs and 1 (16-ounce) can of pumpkin (make sure it's not pumpkin pie filling) and mix until fully combined.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 1/3 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of clove, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
6
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in 2/3 cup of chopped pecans and 2/3 cup of chopped dates (or raisins) until evenly distributed.
7
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Once baked, remove the loaves from the pans and allow them to cool on a wire rack until completely cooled. Slice and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
26g
Carbs
1.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Orange Pumpkin Bread?
It is a moist, autumn-inspired quick bread featuring pumpkin, fresh orange puree, warm spices, pecans, and dates.
How many loaves does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes two 9x5-inch loaves.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The bread should be baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the orange for the batter?
Cut one medium orange into wedges, remove seeds and membranes, then blend the wedges with 2/3 cup of water until smooth.
What should I use to grease the pans?
You can use butter or cooking spray to grease the loaf pans.
Can I substitute pumpkin pie filling for canned pumpkin?
No, you should use a 16-ounce can of pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
What kind of sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 2/3 cups of granulated sugar.
How much shortening is required?
You will need 2/3 cup of softened shortening.
Which nuts are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 2/3 cup of chopped pecans for added crunch.
Can I use raisins instead of dates?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2/3 cup of chopped dates or raisins.
What spices are used for the flavor?
The bread is flavored with ground cinnamon and ground cloves.
What is the approximate baking time?
The loaves take about 1 hour to bake.
How do I check if the pumpkin bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it is done if the toothpick comes out clean.
How many eggs are needed?
This recipe requires 4 large eggs.
Is Zesty Orange Pumpkin Bread considered a quick bread?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick bread.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 175 calories per serving.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe calls for 3 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7g of fat.
How much protein is in a serving?
There is 1.6g of protein per serving.
How would you describe the texture?
The bread is perfectly moist and rich with a crunchy texture from the pecans.
How should I cool the bread?
Remove the loaves from the pans and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Are the pecans mandatory?
No, the chopped pecans are optional and used for added crunch.
Why is an orange puree used?
The orange puree adds vibrant citrus notes and extra moisture to the bread.
What leavening agents are required?
The recipe uses both baking soda and baking powder.
How much salt is in the batter?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
What size loaf pans are needed?
You will need two 9x5-inch loaf pans.
When do I add the dates and nuts?
Gently fold them into the batter after the dry and wet ingredients are just combined.
What are some serving suggestions?
Enjoy a slice with morning coffee or serve it as a dessert.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 26g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe good for the holidays?
Yes, it is ideal for sharing during the autumn season and holidays as a comfort food treat.