Oatmeal Orange Bread is the ultimate comfort food, blending wholesome ingredients with a burst of citrus flavor. This moist loaf is not only delightful when served warm, but it also fills the air with a sweet, zesty aroma that can instantly uplift your mood. The soft yet hearty texture comes from a simple combination of quick oats and applesauce, making it a perfect snack or breakfast treat that you can feel good about indulging in.
I first stumbled upon the magic of Oatmeal Orange Bread during a busy weekend when I needed something quick and nutritious for brunch. As I combined the eggs with the subtly sweet maple syrup and the brilliant orange zest, I knew I was onto something special. There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking with oatmeal, as it not only lends a delightful chewiness to the loaf but also packs a nutritional punch. I invite you to try your hand at this recipe, which is not just easy to whip up, but is sure to become a new family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just 20 minutes of prep and you’re only an hour and 20 minutes away from enjoying a warm loaf.
- Irresistible Flavor: The sweetness of maple syrup perfectly complements the bright, tangy freshness of orange zest.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The loaf is a beautiful, golden color, making it a standout on any table.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, a midday snack, or even as dessert with a touch of butter.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to be gluten-free or vegan, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups quick oats: These form the base of your bread, providing flavor and texture. If you only have rolled oats, they can be blended into a finer consistency to mimic quick oats.
- 2 tsp baking powder: This is your leavening agent, helping the bread rise beautifully.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional): This spice adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile but is totally optional if cinnamon is not your thing.
- ¾ tsp sea salt: A crucial ingredient to enhance all the flavors in your bread.
- 2 large eggs: These bind your ingredients together and add a rich flavor.
- ⅔ cup unsweetened applesauce: This keeps the bread moist and works great as a natural sweetener. You can substitute it with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
- ½ cup pure maple syrup: It sweetens the bread naturally, adding a lovely flavor. Honey or agave syrup can be used as a substitute if needed.
- 4 tbsp avocado oil: This adds moisture without imposing a strong flavor. Feel free to use melted coconut oil or vegetable oil if that’s what you have on hand.
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, making each bite richer and more delicious.
- 2 navel oranges, zested: The fresh zest will give your bread a bright, citrusy aroma and taste — a key element to the recipe!
How to Make Oatmeal Orange Bread
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9” x 5” loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Blend the dry ingredients: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the 2 cups of quick oats, 2 tsp of baking powder, 2 tsp of ground cinnamon (if using), and ¾ tsp of sea salt. Blend on low speed for about 60 seconds, until a flour-like consistency forms.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, ⅔ cup of unsweetened applesauce, ½ cup of pure maple syrup, 4 tbsp of avocado oil, and 2 tsp of pure vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the zests from the 2 navel oranges, allowing the citrus notes to infuse into your batter.
- Combine dry and wet mixtures: Gradually add the blended flour mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is well incorporated without over-mixing, which can affect the texture of your loaf.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 50 minutes; then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a digital thermometer into the center of the loaf — it should read 165°F for safety but ideally between 190-205°F for the best texture.
- Cool before serving: Once baked, allow the loaf to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool to room temperature. This cooling step is crucial for slicing without crumbling.
- Serving suggestion: For a delicious twist, I recommend serving a thick slice warmed up with a pat of butter melting on top.
Storing & Reheating
To keep any leftovers fresh, store the Oatmeal Orange Bread at room temperature in an airtight container for about three days. For longer storage, transfer it to the refrigerator, where it will stay good for about a week. If you’d like to preserve it even further, consider freezing slices in a freezer-friendly bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in an oven set to 350°F until warmed through. You might notice a slight change in texture when reheating, but a spread of butter can bring back the comforting mouthfeel.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing your batter; this will help keep the bread tender and light.
- Be sure to check the expiration date on your baking powder; expired leavening agents can result in a dense loaf.
- If you prefer it sweeter, you can adjust the maple syrup to your taste, but remember that it also contributes to the moisture.
- For an extra zesty flavor, try incorporating a bit of fresh orange juice into your batter.
- This is an excellent make-ahead option! Bake on the weekend and enjoy slices throughout the week.
Baking this Oatmeal Orange Bread is not just a task; it’s an experience that brings joy and satisfaction. Enjoy the delightful aroma as it fills your kitchen, and allow each bite to transport you to a sunny morning, regardless of the weather outside. Baking is meant to nourish not only our bodies but also our spirits; so don’t hesitate to experiment with additional flavors, such as chopped nuts or dried fruits, to make this recipe your own.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the quick oats with certified gluten-free oats. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.
What can I use instead of applesauce?
If you’re looking for an alternative, cottage cheese or Greek yogurt works beautifully in this recipe. Both options will keep the loaf moist while adding a bit of protein.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Use a digital thermometer for the most accurate results. The internal temperature should read at least 165°F for safety. However, for the best texture, aim for around 190-205°F.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the bread?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans or incorporating dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins can enhance both flavor and texture. Just ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Print
Oatmeal Orange Bread
This Oatmeal Orange Bread combines the wholesome goodness of oats with zesty orange flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it’s easy to prepare and simply delicious. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or a comforting snack!
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups quick oats
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon, optional
- ¾ tsp sea salt
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup unsweetened applesauce , or cottage cheese or greek yogurt
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 4 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 navel oranges, zested (about 1 tbsp orange zest)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9” x 5” loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon (if using), and sea salt. Blend on low speed for about 60 seconds or until a flour forms.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, maple syrup, avocado oil, and vanilla until well blended. Stir in the orange zest.
- Combine the dry flour mixture with the wet ingredients and mix until well integrated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 50 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the loaf reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, preferably aiming for 190-205°F for best texture.
- Let the loaf cool to room temperature before slicing. Enjoy a thick slice warmed with butter.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
For best results, ensure the bread is baked to an internal temperature of around 190-205°F for optimal texture.
Substituting unsweetened applesauce with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt works well for added protein and moisture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
