Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, golden-brown bread that dances with the vibrant zest of oranges, the rich sweetness of honey, and the delicate crunch of nuts. This isn't just any ordinary bread - this is a culinary masterpiece that transforms your kitchen into a gourmet bakery and your taste buds into a celebration of flavors! Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned home chef, our Honey Orange Nut Bread recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that's sure to impress family and friends.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps ensure a smooth, lump-free batter and even distribution of ingredients.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the honey, orange juice, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold and mix with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
- Fold in the chopped nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. Optional: Drizzle with additional honey or dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your ingredients like eggs and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: Gentle folding is key! Overmixing can develop gluten and result in a tough, dense bread.
- Nut Selection: While the recipe suggests almonds or walnuts, feel free to experiment with pecans or hazelnuts for unique flavor profiles.
- Moisture Check: Use the toothpick test to ensure perfect doneness - it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Storage Tip: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture for 3-4 days.
- Serving Suggestion: Lightly toast a slice and spread with butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
