Introducing a delightful treat that will surprise and delight your taste buds: Pumpkin and Orange Bread! This recipe is a gem passed down from the division secretary at school, and it’s no wonder why it’s cherished—it’s not only incredibly delicious but also boasts a unique ingredient: a whole orange! 🍊 Yes, you read that right, no need to peel the orange, just remove any seeds, and trust me, you won’t have any bitter or unpleasant pieces of peel in your bread. Instead, you’ll enjoy a moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any occasion.
Pumpkin and Orange Bread Recipe
Overview:
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 2 2/3 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 whole navel orange
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 eggs
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup raisins
Instructions:
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Cream Shortening and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Prepare the Orange: Cut the whole orange into several pieces, ensuring to remove any seeds. No need to peel the orange.
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Blend Orange Mixture: Place the orange pieces in a blender along with the water and blend until smooth to create the orange mixture.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: To the creamed shortening and sugar mixture, add the orange mixture, eggs, and canned pumpkin. Mix until well combined.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the salt, baking soda, cinnamon, ground cloves, baking powder, and all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
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Add Raisins: Gently fold in the raisins until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Grease Loaf Pans: Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans to prevent sticking.
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Pour Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans, spreading it out evenly.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the loaves to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve your delicious Pumpkin and Orange Bread!
This recipe yields two moist and flavorful loaves of bread that are perfect for sharing with friends and family. The combination of pumpkin, orange, and warm spices creates a comforting aroma that will fill your kitchen and have everyone eagerly awaiting a slice. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee, this Pumpkin and Orange Bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.
