Let me introduce you to the Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread—an utterly delightful treat that brings together the sunny brightness of orange with the lush, tender bite of fresh zucchini. This bread is one of those all-star recipes I can never resist sharing with friends, thanks to its vibrant citrus aroma, deep golden crumb, and barely-hidden specks of veggies. Each slice is loaded with flavor and stays magically moist for days. Whether you love baking from scratch or you’re simply looking for a new way to use summer zucchini, this is the recipe that will win rave reviews from your kitchen to the last crumb.

Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread so special is how it transforms simple, honest ingredients into something entirely irresistible. Each addition plays a role—bringing out color, boosting flavor, or ensuring the perfectly soft, moist texture that sets this bread apart.

Flour: Provides the structure and forms a perfect canvas for the flavors to shine.
Sugar: Lends sweetness that balances the bright citrus and warm spices.
Cooking Oil: Keeps every bite soft, moist, and rich without being heavy.
Orange Zest: Infuses the bread with intense orange fragrance and color.
Fresh Orange Juice: Adds deepest citrus freshness; if oranges are out of season, orange extract works in a pinch.
Fresh Zucchini (minced and drained): The star ingredient for ultra-moist crumb, plus a subtle touch of green.
Baking Powder: Helps the loaves rise up with the perfect dome.
Baking Soda: Partners with baking powder to keep the texture tender and light.
Eggs: Bind the bread together and add a bit of richness.
Ground Cinnamon: Layers in classic warmth that complements the citrus and zucchini.
Ground Cloves: Brings a hint of earthy spice that rounds out the sweetness.
Salt: Makes every flavor pop—don’t skip it!

How to Make Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F with your rack centered. This step ensures even baking from edge to center and sets your Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread up for perfect texture throughout. Grease two 8-by-4-inch loaf pans with cooking spray so nothing sticks later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

Wash your zucchini well, then cut them into quarters—skin, seeds, and all stay in. Pop them into your food processor and blitz until the zucchini is finely minced. You can also grate by hand, but the machine makes it easy. Next, place the shredded zucchini in a clean towel and squeeze out excess juice. This keeps your bread from being too dense or watery.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. By thoroughly combining the dry ingredients, your spices and leaveners will be evenly distributed—meaning every bite of your Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread will be packed with flavor.

Step 4: Blend the Wet Ingredients

Grab a second big bowl and combine the sugar, oil, orange zest, fresh orange juice, and eggs. Beat until the mixture is smooth and slightly creamy—this is where your bread gets its sweetness and that unmistakable orange punch.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Start adding the dry ingredient mixture to the wet bowl, one cup at a time, mixing on low. This slow incorporation prevents overmixing and keeps your bread light. Once just combined, gently fold in the drained zucchini. Scrape down the sides and bottom to make sure no pockets of flour remain; your batter will look gorgeously flecked and thick.

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Divide your batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Slide them into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. By the end, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. Let the loaves rest in their pans for at least 30 minutes before slicing—this step gives time for the crumb to set, ensuring every slice holds together.

How to Serve Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread

Garnishes

A pat of butter melting into a warm slice of Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread is pure heaven, but you can level up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of orange glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of juice. For extra citrus flair, sprinkle a bit more zest on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

This bread is just as welcome at breakfast as it is at tea-time. Serve alongside fresh berries, a bowl of Greek yogurt swirled with honey, or a piping hot cup of coffee. If you’re making it part of a brunch spread, a simple fruit salad or soft scrambled eggs are perfect partners.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the loaf into thick pieces and grilling them lightly for a crisp edge. You can also cube the bread and layer it with whipped cream and berries in a trifle dish, or toast slices and top with mascarpone and candied orange peel for an elegant dessert board. Kids love it plain or with a slather of almond butter for an after-school treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container, for up to a full week. The flavors seem to get even better after a day or two, and the crumb stays luscious and soft.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap cooled loaves (whole or sliced) in wax paper, then slip them into a freezer bag. Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread freezes beautifully for up to six months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’ll have the perfect treat on hand whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy warm bread, place individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster or oven. This refreshes the crumb and brings out the orange aroma all over again—just like it’s fresh-baked!

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can! If you swap all or part of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat, your bread will be a bit heartier and slightly less tender, but still delicious. Try half-and-half for best results, and add a splash more liquid if the batter seems dry.

Do I need to peel the zucchini first?

No need to peel—just wash the zucchini well. The skin softens completely as it bakes, and adds lovely color and extra nutrients to your Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread.

Can I leave out the ground cloves?

Absolutely. Cloves add wonderful warmth and depth, but if you’re not a fan or don’t have any on hand, feel free to leave them out or substitute with a tiny pinch of nutmeg instead.

How should I drain the zucchini properly?

After mincing or grating your zucchini, pile it in the center of a clean kitchen towel and twist—squeeze as much moisture out as possible. Zucchini holds a lot of water, and this simple step keeps your bread from turning out soggy.

Is this recipe good for muffins?

Definitely! Simply scoop the batter into greased or lined muffin tins (about two-thirds full) and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean. You’ll get all the same amazing flavor in cute, portable form.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread, you’ll want to bake it again and again. It’s the kind of recipe that wins over everyone you share it with, from die-hard citrus lovers to veggie skeptics. Roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let this irresistible loaf fill your kitchen with the scent of orange and spice—you’re in for a treat!

Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Best Moist Orange Zucchini Bread combines the refreshing citrus flavor of oranges with the subtle taste of zucchini in a perfectly moist and delicious bread that’s great for any time of day.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F with the rack in the middle position.
Prepare Zucchini: Rinse and mince zucchini in a food processor. Set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix sugar, oil, orange zest, orange juice, and eggs. Gradually add in the flour mixture and stir in the minced zucchini.
Bake: Pour the batter into greased loaf pans and bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick. Let cool before serving.

Notes

Enjoy this bread warm or cold with a spread of butter for added richness.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for several days or freeze for up to 6 months by wrapping in wax paper and placing in a freezer bag.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American