Orange pumpkin Loaf recipe

Orange Pumpkin Loaf: A Perfect Fall Treat

As the leaves begin to change and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of homemade pumpkin bread baking in the oven. This Orange Pumpkin Loaf recipe combines the warmth of pumpkin and spices with a refreshing citrus twist from whole oranges—peel and all! It's a cozy, flavorful treat that's perfect for the fall season and ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

The combination of canned pumpkin and whole oranges brings a unique balance of sweetness and zest. Add to that the warmth of cinnamon and cloves, and the crunch of walnuts and raisins, and you’ve got a delicious, textured loaf that’s both moist and fragrant. It’s a seasonal favorite with a twist, guaranteed to become a household staple.

Ingredients:

- 1 large orange (including the peel)

- ⅓ cup butter, softened

- 1 ⅓ cups white sugar

- 2 eggs

- 1 cup canned pumpkin

- ⅓ cup water

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- ½ teaspoon baking powder

- ¾ teaspoon salt

- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

- ½ teaspoon ground cloves

- ½ cup chopped walnuts

- ½ cup chopped raisins

Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Prepare the Orange
Cut the orange into wedges and remove any seeds. Place the wedges, peel included, into a food processor and pulse until the orange is finely chopped. Set this aside for later.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the canned pumpkin, water, and the finely chopped orange. The ground orange adds an incredible zest and depth to the loaf.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cloves. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is moistened.
Step 5: Add the Mix-ins
Fold in the chopped walnuts and raisins, giving the batter an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Loaf
Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions:
Breakfast: Slice a piece and enjoy with a spread of butter or cream cheese.
Snack: Pair with your favorite hot drink—coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate.
Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Tips for Success:
Use fresh oranges: The fresh citrus flavor from the whole orange (peel and all) really sets this recipe apart.
Don’t overmix the batter: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until moistened. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf.
Add-ins: Not a fan of walnuts or raisins? Feel free to swap them out for other mix-ins like pecans or dried cranberries.
This Orange Pumpkin Loaf is a perfect combination of fall flavors with a refreshing citrus twist. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy family gathering or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee, this loaf will fill your kitchen with the aromas of autumn and have everyone asking for seconds!
Enjoy, and happy baking!