Go Back
–+ servings
Orange-Lemon Rusk
Orange Lemon Rusk is a nostalgic citrus-infused baked snack, similar to biscotti or zwieback toast. It uses pre-sliced diet bread coated in a zesty spread of margarine, citrus zest, and sugar, then slow-baked to achieve a crisp, toasty texture. Ideal for dipping in tea or coffee, this light and crunchy treat delivers bursts of lemon and orange with every bite. Simple, thrifty, and full of flavor, it's a smart way to repurpose sandwich bread into something truly special.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 30 rusks
Calories 75 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf White Sliced Bread (approximately 30 slices)
  • 2 stick sticks margarine (1 cup, softened)
  • 1 tbsp lemon rind
  • 1 tbsp orange rind
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Citrus Spread

  • Soften the margarine in a mixing bowl.
  • Add lemon rind, orange rind, and sugar.
  • Mix well until evenly combined.

Step 2: Prep Bread

  • Spread citrus mixture generously over each slice of bread.
  • Cut each slice into thirds (lengthwise or diagonally depending on preference).

Step 3: Bake

  • Place bread pieces on cookie sheets in a single layer.
  • Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Watch closely toward the end to ensure the rusks don’t become too dark.

Step 4: Cool & Store

  • Allow rusks to cool on a wire rack.
  • Store in an airtight container once completely cool.

Tips

  • Use very soft margarine so the citrus-sugar mixture spreads easily
  • Watch closely during the final part of baking so the rusks do not brown too much
  • Slice the loaf evenly into thirds lengthwise for uniform rusks
  • Allow rusks to cool completely before storing to maintain crispness
  • Store in an airtight container to preserve texture
  • For stronger citrus flavor, slightly increase lemon or orange rind
  • Rusks make excellent edible gifts when packaged in tins
  • Serve with coffee or tea for a traditional pairing

Nutrition

Calories: 75kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 70mgPotassium: 15mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword citrus dessert, nostalgic food, old-fashioned recipe, sweet bread, twice-baked, vintage baking
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!