Bright and citrusy with a creamy twist, this Orange Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Infused with fresh orange zest and juice, this moist and tender loaf gets an extra touch of richness from softened cream cheese blended right into the batter. A fragrant sugar-zest rub ensures a burst of orange flavor in every bite, while an optional orange glaze adds a glossy, sweet finish thatβs hard to resist. Easy to prepare in just 15 minutes, this quick bread bakes to a golden perfection, making it ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat. Whether served plain or drizzled with the citrusy glaze, this crowd-pleasing loaf promises to turn any day into a sunny occasion. Perfect for those who love citrus desserts, this recipe is a must-try for orange bread lovers!
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the sides for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar until the mixture is fragrant and slightly moist. This step enhances the orange flavor.
Add the softened butter and cream cheese to the sugar mixture. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and alternately add the dry ingredients and orange juice to the wet mixture in three additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift it out and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
If making the optional glaze, mix the powdered sugar and orange juice in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled bread before slicing and serving.
Calories |
3372 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 148.7 g | 191% | |
| Saturated Fat | 88.0 g | 440% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 756 mg | 252% | |
| Sodium | 2018 mg | 88% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 476.7 g | 173% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.6 g | 27% | |
| Total Sugars | 281.6 g | ||
| Protein | 46.5 g | 93% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 252 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 13.9 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 846 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.