Handwritten recipe for Apple-Orange Nut Loaf
by: salvagedrecipes

Old-Fashioned Apple-Orange Nut Bread

Apple-Orange Nut Loaf
Apple Orange Nut Loaf is a fragrant, moist quick bread blending the brightness of citrus with the warmth of apples and the crunch of walnuts. This vintage-style loaf recipe reflects mid-20th-century American baking, where fruit and nut loaves were common for holidays and afternoon tea. The combination of orange rind, apples, and raisins delivers a tender crumb with bursts of sweetness and tang. It's ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert and pairs beautifully with butter or cream cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large oranges (rind only)
  • 1 cup seedless raisins
  • 2 cups apple sauce
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • 4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 ½ cups walnuts (chopped )
  • 2 eggs (large, beaten)
  • 6 tbsp butter (melted )

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat Oven

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two small loaf pans.

Step 2: Prepare the Orange Mixture

  • Grate the rind of two large oranges. Combine the rind with the raisins and run them through a food grinder or processor. Add the juice from the oranges to this mixture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.

Step 4: Add Fruits and Nuts

  • Add the orange-raisin mixture, applesauce, and chopped walnuts to the dry mixture. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

  • Stir in the beaten eggs and melted butter. Mix until a thick batter forms.

Step 6: Bake

  • Pour the batter into prepared loaf pans. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

  • Let loaves cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips

  • Substitute pecans for walnuts for a milder flavor.
  • Add ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice variation.
  • Replace applesauce with crushed pineapple for a tropical twist.
  • Freeze slices individually for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.
  • Use whole-wheat flour for added fiber and nutty flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 190mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 2.5gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 160IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 1.6mg
Keyword afternoon tea, apple loaf, classic quick bread, comfort baking, fruit bread, nut bread, orange loaf, vintage recipes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!