Dessert

Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe August 11, 2025August 11, 2025

If you’re craving a unique sweet bread that’s both vibrantly citrusy and impossibly tender, you have to try this Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread. Bursting with fresh orange zest and juice, subtly spiced, and made amazingly moist with plenty of zucchini, this loaf has everything going for it—bright flavor, irresistible texture, and a classic homemade charm. Whether it’s your first time baking with zucchini or you’re already a big fan, this recipe promises a bakery-quality treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I absolutely love about this recipe is how its simple lineup of ingredients creates such a showstopping result. Every element—from the zucchini’s moisture to the fragrant orange zest—plays its part in making this bread so memorable. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives your bread a soft, cakey crumb.
Sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps keep it moist.
Cooking oil: Oil ensures your bread is extra tender and never dry.
Orange zest: Adds intense citrus aroma and fresh, zippy flavor.
Fresh orange juice (or orange extract): Gives the loaf its signature orange tang and depth.
Fresh zucchini: Brings unbeatable moistness and a hint of earthiness—don’t worry, you won’t even taste the veggies!
Baking powder: For a lovely lift and fluffy texture.
Baking soda: Works in tandem with the orange juice to leaven the bread beautifully.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and enrich the final bread.
Ground cinnamon: Warm and cozy spice that pairs perfectly with citrus and zucchini.
Ground cloves: Adds depth and a lightly spiced note.
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing sweetness.

How to Make Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pans Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Make sure your oven rack sits in the middle so your bread bakes evenly. Grease two 8″x4″x3″ loaf pans with cooking spray or a light swipe of oil—this little step is key for easy release after baking.

Step 2: Prep the Zucchini

Take your zucchini (don’t bother peeling!) and cut it into quarters. Pop the pieces—with skin and seeds—into a food processor. Pulse until it’s finely minced. If you don’t have a processor, a hand grater works but will take more elbow grease. Most importantly, drain off any excess liquid from the minced zucchini—too much moisture can make your bread dense.

Step 3: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Blending these dry ingredients helps ensure every bite of your Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread is full of even flavor and rise.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients and Combine

In another large bowl, stir together the sugar, oil, orange zest, orange juice (or orange extract), and eggs. Now, gradually add your dry mix, one cup at a time. Mix gently on low speed to avoid overworking the batter. Once fully combined, fold in your drained, minced zucchini and gently stir—believe me, it brings the magic!

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Divide your batter evenly between the prepared pans. Slide them into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen is your first reward! When a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaves comes out clean, they’re done. Let them cool in the pans for about 30 minutes before turning out.

How to Serve Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread

Garnishes

For that little extra “wow” factor, dust your bread with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or drizzle a simple orange glaze on top. A pat of softened butter or even cream cheese takes every slice to an entirely new level.

Side Dishes

This bread shines all on its own, but it’s also perfect alongside a cozy mug of coffee or tea. For brunch, pair it with a fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced plate. Or, serve it as a sweet note at the end of a light lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by slicing the Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread thickly and arranging the slices fanned out on a pretty platter with fresh orange slices and mint sprigs. You can also cube the bread for a festive brunch spread, or toast thick slices and serve with a dollop of whipped ricotta or honey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread will stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days. Refrigeration helps keep it fresh, especially in warmer months.

Freezing

The bread freezes beautifully. Simply wrap individual slices (or whole loaves) in wax paper, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge, or let them come to room temperature on the counter.

Reheating

Want to enjoy your bread warm? Pop a refrigerated or thawed slice into the microwave for 10-20 seconds or warm gently in a toaster oven. This brings back that fresh-baked tenderness and makes the orange aroma pop.

FAQs

Can I use yellow zucchini instead of green?

Absolutely! Yellow zucchini works just as well and won’t noticeably change the flavor or texture. It might even make the flecks in your Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread look extra cheery.

What if I don’t have fresh oranges?

No worries—orange extract is a great substitute. If you only have bottled orange juice, use that, but the zest from a real orange is tough to beat for true citrusy brightness.

Can I make muffins with this recipe?

Yes, this batter adapts wonderfully to muffins! Line muffin tins and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, keeping an eye for that golden color and clean toothpick test.

Is it okay to skip the cloves?

If you’re not a fan of cloves or don’t have them on hand, simply leave them out or substitute with nutmeg. The bread will still be warmly spiced and delicious.

Why do I need to drain the zucchini?

Zucchini holds a lot of water, and draining ensures your bread stays delightfully moist but not soggy or dense. This one step truly guarantees the perfect texture in your Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried baking with zucchini or orange before, this is the recipe to convince you—promise! The Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread is bright, flavorful, and so incredibly easy to love. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a cherished go-to for brunch, snacking, or even gifting. Happy baking!