Bran Flake Orange Nut Bread is a timeless vintage quick bread that combines wholesome bran flakes with the refreshing zest of oranges and the crunch of chopped nuts. Perfectly moist and tender, this bread delivers a balance of natural sweetness and hearty texture. Originating from mid-20th-century American kitchens, it was a popular way to incorporate fiber into everyday baking while keeping flavors vibrant and comforting. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, this nostalgic recipe captures a taste of home-baked tradition.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp orange rind (grated )
- ¾ cup nuts (chopped, walnuts or pecans recommended)
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1½ cups orange juice (fresh preferred)
- ¼ cup shortening (melted )
- 1½ cups bran flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, orange rind, and chopped nuts.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, orange juice, and melted shortening.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Fold in Bran Flakes
- Gently fold the bran flakes into the batter until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into a well-greased 9x5x3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips
- Use walnuts or pecans for the chopped nuts; toast lightly for extra flavor.
- Substitute butter for shortening for a richer, more buttery crumb.
- Add ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries for additional texture and sweetness.
- For stronger citrus flavor, increase grated orange rind to 4 tablespoons.
- Glaze warm loaf with a light orange juice, powdered sugar glaze.
- Make as mini loaves or muffins; adjust baking time accordingly.
- Fold ingredients gently to avoid overmixing and a tough loaf.
- Line the pan with parchment for easy removal.
- Freeze well-wrapped slices for make-ahead breakfasts.
- Replace orange juice with tangerine or lemon juice for variation.
Nutrition
Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2.8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 3gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg
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