Name: Easy Orange Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1/2 cup sour cream; 3 eggs; 3 tablespoons orange juice ( (freshly squeezed)); 2/3 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 teaspoon orange extract; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons orange juice ( (freshly squeezed)); 1 teaspoon orange zest ( (optional, for sprinkling over glaze))

This iced orange loaf is soft, bright, and full of fresh citrus flavor in both the cake and the sweet glaze.

Orange quick bread stays wonderfully moist and makes a beautiful addition to brunches, potlucks, or afternoon coffee breaks. It’s an easy homemade treat that works just as well for breakfast as it does for dessert.

Sliced loaf of orange quick bread on a white platter, with fresh oranges in the background.

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There’s something especially cheerful about a bright citrus loaf sitting on the counter. This easy orange bread has that fresh, homemade bakery feel without requiring anything complicated.

Between the fresh orange juice, fragrant zest, and sweet glaze drizzled over the top, every slice tastes light, sunny, and just a little bit special.

I love recipes like this because they work for so many occasions. It’s simple enough to enjoy with coffee on a weekday morning, but pretty enough to set out for brunches, showers, or holiday dinners.

The soft texture and fresh citrus flavor make this quick bread refreshing instead of overly heavy or rich.

And that glaze really takes it over the top! The sweet citrus drizzle adds just enough extra flavor to make this feel bakery-worthy while still being easy enough for everyday baking.

Two slices of orange loaf cake on a white plate. An orange is in the background.

Orange Loaf Cake with Fresh Citrus

One of the best things about this orange loaf cake is how much real orange flavor is packed into every bite.

Rubbing the zest into the sugar before mixing the batter helps release all those natural citrus oils, which gives the loaf a fresh flavor throughout instead of just tasting sweet.

Add in the fresh orange juice and sweet orange glaze, and you get an iced loaf that tastes bright and homemade in the best possible way.

This is also the kind of recipe that works year-round. It feels especially refreshing in the spring and summer, but citrus desserts are just as welcome during the colder months when you want something zippy and cheerful.

Serve slices for breakfast, afternoon coffee breaks, or dessert after dinner. This glazed orange loaf also travels well, making it a great option for sharing with neighbors and friends.

It’s the kind of quick bread your grandma would make, and everyone loves it!

More Citrus Recipes to Try:

close-up view of a glazed orange loaf cake with a couple of slices cut out of it, showing the moist and tender interior crumb.

How to Make Orange Loaf with Glaze

It’s really easy to make this sweet treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Loaf

Sugar
Orange Zest
Sour Cream
Eggs
Orange Juice
Vegetable Oil
Orange Extract
All-Purpose Flour
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Salt

For the Glaze

Powdered Sugar
Orange Juice
Orange Zest

overhead view of orange loaf cake topped with icing, on a rectangular plate with two oranges next to it.

How to Make It:

Find the full printable recipe available below

Prepare the orange sugar. First, you’ll combine sugar and orange zest.

Using your fingers, rub the zest into the sugar, until it’s evenly distributed and the sugar is orange scented and pale orange in color.

two photos; one shows orange zest and sugar in a bowl; the other shows the zest rubbed into the sugar.

Prepare the batter. Then, you’ll add the sour cream and eggs to the bowl, mixing well on medium-low speed to combine.

Add fresh orange juice, oil, and orange extract. Mix on low speed until incorporated.

Then add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed just until the dry ingredients are evenly incorporated.

two photos; one shows liquid ingredients for orange bread in a mixing bowl; the other shows dry ingredients added to the bowl.

Bake the loaf. Then, you’ll pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake or about 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Remove from oven and let the loaf cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then run a knife along the edge of the loaf to ensure it’s loosened from the pan.

Transfer the loaf to a wire rack and let it cool completely.

two photos; one shows batter in a loaf pan; the other shows the freshly baked orange loaf still in the pan.

Glaze the loaf. Then, once the loaf is cooled, prepare the glaze by combining the powdered sugar and orange juice in a small mixing bowl. Whisk together until smooth.

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf. If desired, sprinkle some orange zest on top of the glaze before it hardens. This just gives an extra pop of color and flavor.

Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes, until it hardens to a satiny finish. Then slice, serve, and enjoy!

two photos; one shows orange glaze and a whisk in a bowl; the other shows the glaze drizzled over the orange bread, and a sprinkling of orange zest over the glaze.

Notes and Adaptations:

Store loaf at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. I like to use this loaf keeper for easy storage.
If you want to freeze this loaf, I recommend doing so prior to adding the icing glaze. Wrap the completely cooled loaf well with plastic wrap, then freeze. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature, then prepare the glaze and drizzle over the top of the thawed loaf.

overhead view of a partially sliced easy orange loaf, topped with glaze, on a white rectangular platter. Two oranges are next to the platter.

Recommended Equipment:

Don’t forget to save this recipe to your quick breads board on Pinterest!

Two photos; one shows two slices of orange loaf cake on a white plate, the other shows the side view of the loaf of glazed orange bread.

Categories:

Breads, Breakfast, Desserts, Easy Recipes,