Zucchini Mandarin Orange Bread Recipe
A delightful and flavorful quick bread that combines the freshness of zucchini with the sweetness of mandarin oranges. This recipe, shared by my cousin, yields two perfectly moist loaves, making it an excellent choice for brunch, a snack, or even a gift for friends and family. The bread is best enjoyed warm with a smear of butter or whipped cream cheese for an extra touch of indulgence. Itβs also a great way to use up any surplus zucchini from your garden, adding a burst of freshness to your baked goods.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves
- Category: Quick Breads
- Keywords: Breads, Fruit, Vegetable, Brunch, Oven, < 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 3 |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Baking Soda | 1 tsp |
| Baking Powder | 1 tsp |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Zucchini (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Mandarin Oranges (canned, drained and chopped) | 1 can (about 11 oz) |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2655.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 119 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 317.2 mg |
| Sodium | 2098.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 370.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.9 g |
| Sugars | 220.4 g |
| Protein | 31.6 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 325Β°F (163Β°C). While the oven is warming up, grease two 8-1/2 x 4-1/2 x 2-1/2-inch loaf pans with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set them aside. -
-
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and granulated sugar. Make sure the dry ingredients are well combined to ensure an even distribution of leavening agents and spices throughout the batter. -
Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and beat them lightly. Add the beaten eggs, shredded zucchini, chopped mandarin oranges, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. The zucchini will add moisture to the batter, and the mandarin oranges will infuse a delightful citrusy sweetness. -
Pour and Smooth
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake. The batter should fill the pans about halfway, giving it plenty of room to rise while baking. -
Bake
Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown on top, and the smell of cinnamon and citrus will fill your kitchen. -
Cool and Serve
Once the bread is done, remove the pans from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After this initial cooling time, turn the loaves out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from becoming soggy from retained steam. -
Optional Serving Suggestions
Serve the bread warm, sliced, and topped with a pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream cheese for an added layer of richness. This zucchini mandarin orange bread is perfect for brunch, a light dessert, or as a quick snack on a cozy afternoon.
Tips for Perfect Zucchini Mandarin Orange Bread:
- Grate the Zucchini Finely: To avoid large chunks of zucchini, grate it finely. You donβt want the zucchini to dominate the texture of the bread; it should blend in smoothly.
- Draining the Oranges: Ensure that you drain the mandarin oranges thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from affecting the texture of the bread. If you use fresh oranges, you can finely chop them and reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
- Adding Nuts or Raisins: For a twist, try adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins to the batter. These ingredients will give the bread an added crunch or chew, making it even more satisfying.
- Freezing the Bread: This bread freezes well. After it has cooled completely, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
This Zucchini Mandarin Orange Bread is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the added health benefits of zucchini. Itβs incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a tasty addition to your breakfast spread or a snack to pair with afternoon tea, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.
