Some flavors instantly transport us to cozy mornings, warm kitchens, and the comforting aroma of fresh-baked bread. Orange Marmalade Bread is one of those recipes. Combining the sweet, slightly bitter tang of orange marmalade with a tender, moist loaf, this bread is perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a sweet treat anytime.
I remember the first time I tried a marmalade loaf—it was dense enough to feel substantial, yet soft and fragrant with every bite. The citrusy notes brighten the palate, while subtle hints of almond, vanilla, and butter flavoring make it feel indulgent without being overly sweet. Whether you’re a longtime fan of citrus baked goods or experimenting with flavors beyond plain banana or pumpkin bread, this loaf offers something truly special. It’s simple to prepare, requires no fancy equipment, and fills your home with irresistible fragrance as it bakes.
With just one loaf, you can make mornings, snacks, or desserts feel a little more elegant. Let’s explore how to create this soft, flavorful, and golden-orange treat.
Recipe Overview
Orange Marmalade Bread is a moist, fragrant quick bread infused with citrusy orange marmalade and enhanced with almond, vanilla, and butter flavoring extracts. It’s baked to golden perfection, brushed with extra marmalade for a shiny glaze, and delivers soft, tender slices with every bite. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, it’s a simple yet impressive treat.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil, plus extra for greasing
- 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 more for glazing
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Grease a 1-pound loaf pan with vegetable oil or softened butter. Proper greasing ensures the bread releases easily once baked.
2. Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. In a separate bowl or directly into the dry ingredients, add the eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, milk, and all three extracts: almond, vanilla, and butter flavoring. Mix until the batter is smooth and uniform.
3. Add the Marmalade
Gently fold in ½ cup of orange marmalade, distributing it evenly throughout the batter. This creates pockets of citrus flavor and moisture, giving the bread its signature taste.
4. Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in a preheated oven until the exterior is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, but generally, 45–55 minutes works for a standard loaf.
5. Glaze and Cool
Once baked, carefully turn the loaf onto a wire cooling rack. While the bread is still hot, brush the top with additional orange marmalade. This gives a glossy finish and an extra layer of citrus flavor. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure and texture.
Baking Tips & Variations
1. Flavor Enhancements
- Add 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest to intensify citrus aroma.
- Mix in ½ cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for texture.
2. Sweetness Adjustments
- For a slightly less sweet loaf, reduce the sugar to ⅔ cup.
- Use light or low-sugar marmalade if you prefer a subtler sweetness.
3. Milk Substitutions
- Whole milk can be replaced with almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
4. Make Mini Loaves
- Divide the batter into muffin tins or mini loaf pans for smaller, giftable treats. Adjust baking time to 20–25 minutes for muffins.
5. Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy a warm slice with butter or cream cheese for breakfast.
- Serve alongside afternoon tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
- Pair with fresh berries or a citrus curd for extra flavor.
- Use slices for French toast or toasted breakfast sandwiches for a creative twist.
Orange Marmalade Bread is a simple yet sophisticated loaf that balances sweetness, citrus tang, and delicate flavors like almond and vanilla. Its soft, moist crumb, golden exterior, and glossy marmalade glaze make it a standout in any kitchen. Whether you bake it for yourself, friends, or family, it’s a recipe that elevates ordinary mornings and makes any gathering feel special. Once you try this loaf, it quickly becomes a favorite for its ease, flavor, and comforting appeal.
FAQs
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes. Bake, cool, and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze and thaw before serving.
2. Can I use other citrus preserves?
Absolutely. Lemon, tangerine, or grapefruit preserves work well as substitutes for orange marmalade.
3. How do I prevent the bread from being too dense?
Be careful not to overmix the batter. Gently fold in ingredients until just combined.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure baking powder is gluten-free.
5. Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Yes, chopped nuts or dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots can add flavor and texture.
Moist, flavorful Orange Marmalade Bread infused with citrus, almond, and vanilla. Perfect for breakfast, tea, or snacks, with a sweet marmalade glaze on top.