The art of making bread is a tradition that spans centuries. Orange bread, with its citrus flavor and captivating aroma, is a delicious variation that you can easily make at home. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide to making orange bread.
Ingredients:
- 2 large oranges
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup butter at room temperature
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 2 cups of wheat flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the mold
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. While the oven is heating, grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter and sprinkle with all-purpose flour to prevent the bread from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the oranges
Wash the oranges well and grate the peel of one of them to get about a tablespoon of orange zest. Then squeeze the juice from the two oranges. You should get about 1/2 cup of orange juice.
Step 3: Beat the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This can take 2-3 minutes with an electric hand mixer on medium speed.
Step 4: Add the eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help ensure the eggs are fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture.
Step 5: Add the dry ingredients and milk
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add half of this mixture to the butter and egg mixture, beating just until combined. Then add the milk and beat again. Add the rest of the flour mixture and beat until the dough is smooth and well blended.
Step 6: Add the orange zest and juice
Add the orange zest and juice to the batter and beat until fully incorporated. If you are using walnuts, add them now and mix with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake the bread
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Conclusion:
You now have delicious homemade orange bread! This bread is perfect for a special breakfast or afternoon snack. Enjoy!
