There’s something undeniably comforting about homemade bread, especially when it’s infused with the bright, sunny flavor of oranges. Orange Marmalade Bread is a delightful twist on classic quick breads—a moist, tender loaf that’s lightly sweetened, bursting with citrus flavor, and glazed with a touch of marmalade for a glossy, aromatic finish. The first time you slice into this loaf, the fragrance of orange mingled with subtle hints of almond, vanilla, and butter extract instantly makes your kitchen feel warm and inviting.
This bread is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a mid-afternoon snack with tea or coffee. Its soft crumb makes it perfect for spreading with butter or additional marmalade, but the bread is so flavorful on its own that it doesn’t really need any accompaniment. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep, it’s the kind of recipe that’s both impressive and approachable—a homemade treat that tastes far more luxurious than the effort it requires.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply for yourself, this Orange Marmalade Bread delivers a burst of citrusy joy with every slice.
Recipe Overview
Orange Marmalade Bread is a quick, sweet bread featuring a tender, moist crumb flavored with orange marmalade, almond extract, vanilla, and a touch of butter extract. Baked to a golden finish and glazed with extra marmalade, it’s an aromatic, citrus-forward loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack alongside tea or coffee.
Ingredients & Instructions
Here’s what you’ll need and how to turn these simple ingredients into a perfectly baked loaf.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil, plus more for greasing the pan
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¾ teaspoon almond extract
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon butter flavoring extract
- ½ cup orange marmalade, plus extra for glazing
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Grease a 1 lb. loaf pan with vegetable oil or softened butter. Lightly flour the pan if desired to ensure easy removal.
2. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. In a separate bowl (or the same, depending on your method), whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, milk, and the extracts: almond, vanilla, and butter flavoring. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until smooth and uniform.
3. Incorporate the Marmalade
Gently fold in orange marmalade, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter. The marmalade gives the bread its signature citrus flavor and tender, moist texture.
Tip: Slight streaks of marmalade are fine—they create pockets of extra sweetness and flavor.
4. Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 50–60 minutes, or until the loaf is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so check toward the end.
5. Glaze and Cool
Remove the bread from the oven and immediately turn it onto a wire cooling rack. Brush the top with extra orange marmalade while the loaf is still warm. This step adds a glossy finish and an additional layer of citrus aroma. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
Tip: For extra flavor, lightly toast slices before serving.
Cooking Tips & Variations
- Marmalade Alternatives: If you don’t have orange marmalade, try apricot preserves or tangerine marmalade for a slightly different but equally delightful flavor.
- Nutty Twist: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and a subtle nutty contrast to the sweet bread.
- Citrus Boost: Add a teaspoon of finely grated orange zest to the batter for an even more fragrant, zesty flavor.
- Mini Loaves or Muffins: Split the batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins for smaller, portable portions. Adjust the baking time accordingly (mini loaves 25–30 minutes; muffins 18–22 minutes).
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the flour, but ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for longer freshness up to 1 week.
- Freeze slices individually or the whole loaf for up to 3 months, then thaw at room temperature or lightly toast before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy a slice plain or lightly toasted.
- Spread with butter, cream cheese, or additional orange marmalade.
- Pair with tea, coffee, or a glass of fresh orange juice for a perfect breakfast or brunch treat.
Orange Marmalade Bread is an effortless yet elegant quick bread that combines the bright flavor of citrus with a tender, moist texture. Its fragrant aroma, lightly sweet crumb, and glossy marmalade glaze make it a standout for any occasion—from casual breakfasts to holiday brunches. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this loaf is the perfect way to bring a touch of sunshine to your table.
Once you taste a slice, the combination of marmalade and extracts will have you returning to this recipe again and again, proving that sometimes the simplest baked goods leave the biggest impression.
FAQs
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze slices for later enjoyment.
2. Can I substitute marmalade with another preserve?
Absolutely. Apricot, tangerine, or peach preserves all work well as alternatives.
3. How do I make this gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend containing xanthan gum. Adjust baking time slightly if needed.
4. Can I make mini loaves or muffins?
Yes! Reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes for mini loaves and 18–22 minutes for muffins, checking doneness with a toothpick.
5. Can I add nuts or other flavorings?
Chopped walnuts, pecans, or orange zest add texture and enhance the flavor without overpowering the bread.
Moist and fragrant Orange Marmalade Bread with almond, vanilla, and butter extracts. Sweet, citrusy, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.
