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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.
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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

  • Use fresh oranges for best flavor and aroma.
  • Toast walnuts lightly before adding for deeper nut flavor.
  • Replace walnuts with pecans if preferred.
  • Add a light orange glaze on top after baking.
  • You may bake in muffin tins to shorten bake time.
  • Substitute part of the applesauce with crushed pineapple for variation.
  • Add warm spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
  • This loaf freezes well when wrapped tightly.
  • Stir just until combined to avoid a tough loaf.
  • Let cool completely before slicing for clean slices.

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
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