There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen, and when that bread carries the bright, citrusy sweetness of orange marmalade, it’s practically irresistible. Orange Marmalade Bread is a delightful loaf that combines soft, moist texture with a fragrant, tangy sweetness that makes it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a mid-afternoon snack with tea or coffee.
I first tried this recipe on a weekend morning when I wanted a simple bread that felt special without requiring hours in the kitchen. The result was a loaf bursting with flavor: hints of almond, vanilla, and butter flavoring complement the marmalade perfectly, while the golden crust glistens with a thin glaze of more marmalade. It’s sweet but not cloying, soft yet substantial enough to toast, and simple enough to make for a casual weekday treat.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or someone looking for a quick loaf that impresses, this Orange Marmalade Bread is a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. Let’s explore how to make this citrusy delight step by step.
Recipe Overview
Orange Marmalade Bread is a soft, lightly sweet loaf made with all-purpose flour, eggs, and milk, enriched with almond, vanilla, and butter flavoring extracts. Swirled and mixed with tangy orange marmalade, it bakes to a golden perfection and can be brushed with extra marmalade for a shiny, flavorful finish. This loaf is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting to friends and family.
Ingredients & Instructions
Here’s what you’ll need and how to bake it for the perfect texture and flavor.
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
Preheat your oven and grease a 1 lb. loaf pan with vegetable oil or softened butter. This ensures the loaf comes out cleanly and prevents sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Whisk them together to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
In the same bowl, add eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, milk, and the extracts (almond, vanilla, butter flavoring). Mix gently until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable.
4. Incorporate Marmalade
Stir in orange marmalade, distributing it evenly throughout the batter. You can swirl it lightly for a marbled effect, but avoid overmixing to keep the loaf light.
5. Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in a preheated oven until the exterior is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, usually about 50–60 minutes, depending on your oven.
Tip: If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
6. Glaze and Cool
Remove the loaf from the oven and immediately turn it onto a wire cooling rack. While still warm, brush the top with extra orange marmalade to add shine and an extra layer of citrus flavor. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.
Baking Tips & Variations
1. Flavor Enhancements
- Add zest of one orange to intensify the citrus flavor.
- Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
- Incorporate a small handful of dried cranberries or raisins for sweetness and texture.
2. Milk Substitutions
- Use almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free version.
- Whole milk keeps the loaf moist, but 2% milk works as well.
3. Sweetness Adjustments
- Reduce sugar to ½ cup for a less sweet loaf.
- Brush with marmalade lightly or skip entirely if you prefer a subtler glaze.
4. Pan Alternatives
- A 9×5 loaf pan works perfectly, but mini loaf pans can make great individual servings.
- Ensure pans are well-greased to prevent sticking, especially with marmalade in the batter.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Slice before freezing for easy portioning.
Serving Ideas
- Serve slices warm with butter for breakfast or brunch.
- Spread a thin layer of additional marmalade or cream cheese for an extra treat.
- Pair with tea or coffee for a perfect mid-morning snack.
Orange Marmalade Bread is proof that simple ingredients can yield a spectacular result. The loaf is moist, fragrant, and carries a delicate balance of sweetness and citrus brightness. Its soft texture, lightly sweet flavor, and easy preparation make it a versatile treat for any occasion—whether a weekend breakfast, a snack, or a thoughtful homemade gift.
With just a handful of pantry staples and a little marmalade, this bread transforms everyday ingredients into a golden, aromatic loaf that delights with every slice.
FAQs
1. Can I use other marmalade flavors?
Yes! Apricot or grapefruit marmalade works well and adds a unique twist.
2. How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk and ensure extracts are vegan-friendly.
4. Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, raisins, or dried cranberries add texture and flavor.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Delicious Orange Marmalade Bread is moist, fragrant, and lightly sweet with a citrusy twist. Easy to bake, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting.
