Description
A citrus-infused quick bread made with zucchini for moisture and orange zest for flavor, balanced by warm spices. Light, bright, and ideal for breakfast or snacks with a refreshing glaze made of powdered sugar and orange juice.
Ingredients
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup sugar (brown sugar recommended)
1/2 cup vegetable oil (canola or coconut)
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 cup shredded zucchini (unpeeled, excess water squeezed)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free blend optional)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 tablespoon orange zest (from organic oranges)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans)
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans
Mix eggs in a large bowl until pale and thick (2–3 minutes with mixer, 5 minutes by hand)
Add sugar gradually while beating until pale and glossy
Pour in vegetable oil and remaining 2 tablespoons of orange juice (1/2 cup total in step 4)
Fold in shredded zucchini. Transfer to bowl and refrigerate for 15 minutes
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet just until combined. Fold in chopped nuts if using
Divide batter between prepared pans and bake at 350°F for 50 minutes or until golden
While still warm, spread glaze: mix 2 cups powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons orange juice until smooth. Add flakey salt and/or additional zest to taste
Let cool slightly in pans before turning out. Serve or store as instructed
Notes
Separate egg preparation and batter mixing for consistent texture. For halal versions, replace nuts with 1/2 cup sunflower seeds. Coconut oil imparts a slight tropical note. Prefer 100% fresh orange juice over bottled for vibrant flavor. If avoiding bold spices, replace cloves with a pinch of nutmeg in both batter and glaze
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 50
- Category: Bread recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American