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Mandarin Orange Bread

This easy to make Mandarin Orange Bread is so delicious. It makes the perfect breakfast, snack or even dessert bread. Leave it plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar or why not a simple mandarin orange glaze?

mandarin orange bread on a white board with 2 slices and some mandarin slices

I love everything about sweet breads, they come together fast and easy and gone in no time. From one of the favourites on the Blog Lemon Bread to one of my family’s favourites Streusel Topped Blueberry Bread you can’t go wrong!

I know a lot of people prefer summer fruit, but I have to admit winter is my favourite season for fruit. Give me a crisp Gala apple or a juicy naval orange and I can never forget a few mandarin oranges either!

How to make a Mandarin Orange Bread

  • In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  • Beat together the eggs and sugar.
  • The add the butter and beat to combine.
  • Add the yogurt, oil, milk, vanilla and zest and beat to combine.
  • Add the flour mixture and again beat until smooth.
mixing the wet ingredients in a silver mixing bowl, all the ingredients combined and smooth in the silver bowl


 
  • Pour into the prepared loaf pan and bake.
  • Let cool completely before drizzling with a mandarin orange glaze.
the batter in a glass loaf pan before and after baked

What is zest?

Zest is the top layer of any citrus fruit, orange, mandarin orange, lime and grapefruit. It contains the oils from the fruit and it helps to add a citrus flavour to a dish or recipe.

Can you substitute orange for mandarin orange?

Yes you can substitute orange for mandarin you could probably use a lime, clementine or even grapefruit if you wish.

Of course if you are substituting with an orange or grapefruit you might want to use only about 3/4 of the zest of the fruit, since it is quite a bit larger in size.

the loaf baked and glaze poured on it

How much zest is in an orange or mandarin?

On average, one medium orange has about 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and approximately 2 to 3 tablespoons of zest. A mandarin on the other hand has about 1 – 2 teaspoons of zest and 2-3 tablespoons of juice.

Is the zest stronger than the juice?

The juice of a citrus fruit adds both flavour and sourness to a recipe, whereas the zest only adds the flavour. So depending on your recipe you may not want or need the sourness.

the mandarin loaf on a white board with 2 slices

Can you substitute with greek yogurt?

Yes you can substitute the regular whole fat yogurt with whole fat greek yogurt just be sure to add an extra tablespoon or two of milk. Be sure to use whole fat yogurt, the fat is needed in keeping the cake soft and moist.

How to store the bread

To store the bread be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature, it will last up to 2-3 days. To freeze it be sure to cool it completely then place it in a freezer safe bag or container. It will keep for up to three months in the freezer.

More Delicious orange recipes

So if you looking for a tasty quick bread to make, why not try this Mandarin Orange Bread? Enjoy!

two slices of bread on a white board
mandarin orange bread on a white board with 2 slices and some mandarin slices

Mandarin Orange Bread

Rosemary Molloy
This easy to make Mandarin Orange Bread makes the perfect breakfast, snack or dessert bread. Perfect plain, dusted with powdered sugar or a simple glaze.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 289 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all purpose flour (250 grams)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
  • 1 3/4 tablespoons butter (softened) (25 grams)
  • 1/2 cup apricot yogurt (whole fat)* (125 grams)
  • 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt (whole fat) (125 grams)
  • 1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (I use sunflower oil) (100 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • zest of 1 or 2 mandarins

*If you prefer you can substitute with another vanilla yogurt.

    Room temperature, remove ingredients from the fridge at least 45 minutes before using.

      FOR THE MANDARIN ORANGE GLAZE

      • 1 1/2 cups icing / powdered sugar
      • 2 tablespoons mandarin juice
      • 1 tablespoon cream or milk
      • zest of 1/2 mandarin

      Instructions
       

      • Pre-heat oven to 350F (180C). Grease and flour a 9 x 5 inch (22 x 14 cm) loaf pan.
      • In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, set aside.
      • In the bowl of the mixer beat the eggs, yolk and sugar until light and fluffy about 3-4 minutes (on low speed or #2). Add the butter and beat to combine, then add the yogurt, oil, milk, vanilla and zest, beat to combine. Add the flour mixture and beat until smooth.
      • Pour into the prepared loaf pan and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out clean. Let cool completely before drizzling with the mandarin orange glaze or dusting with powdered sugar.

      MANDARIN ORANGE GLAZE

      • In a medium bowl whisk together until smooth the icing sugar, juice, milk or cream and zest. Add more or less cream depending on desired thickness.

      Notes

      If you want to you can substitute with Greek yogurt but be sure to add an extra tablespoon or two of milk.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 69mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 137IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 1mg
      Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!

      6 Comments

      1. 5 stars
        I just made this…..so yummy!! I love anything orange. I used orange extract in place of the vanilla and added zest to the glaze Thank you for a great recipe.

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