Pumpkin Bread with Mandarin Oranges

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy all things pumpkin, but if you’re looking for a twist on the classic pumpkin bread, this Pumpkin Bread with Mandarin Oranges is the ultimate treat! The flavor of pumpkin pairs perfectly with the bright sweetness of mandarin oranges, creating a moist, flavorful bread that will become a new seasonal favorite.

Whether you’re serving it at brunch, gifting it to friends, or keeping it all to yourself (no judgment here!), this bread is sure to impress.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread with Mandarin Oranges

Here’s a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

• unsalted butter (room temperature)
• granulated sugar
• eggs
• pumpkin puree
• mandarin oranges in light syrup (drain and reserve syrup)
• all-purpose flour
• baking soda
• baking powder
• salt
• cinnamon
• nutmeg

Optional:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Powdered sugar glaze or pumpkin seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drain the mandarin oranges, making sure to reserve the syrup for later. Set both aside for now. You’ll also want to grease and flour two loaf pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This is the base of your bread, ensuring a perfect texture. Add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Next, add the pumpkin puree and ⅔ cup of the reserved mandarin orange syrup. The syrup adds moisture and a hint of citrus flavor. Mix everything until it’s well combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These are the classic fall spices that give the bread its warm, cozy flavor. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix —this is key to achieving a tender loaf!

4. Add Mandarin Oranges

Gently fold the mandarin oranges into the batter. As you mix, break up the orange segments slightly to distribute them throughout the loaf. This will ensure you get that perfect bite of sweet, juicy orange in every slice.

5. Bake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and the kitchen will smell like pure autumn!

Let the loaves cool in the pans for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations to Try

If you want to take this bread to the next level, try one of these fun variations:

• Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter along with the mandarin oranges for a nutty crunch.
• Citrus Glaze: Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with the remaining mandarin orange syrup, a pinch of salt, and a little vanilla extract to make a glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled loaves for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Pumpkin Seed Topping: Before baking, sprinkle ½ cup of pumpkin seeds on top of the batter. This adds a beautiful look and extra texture to your bread.

---

Helpful Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bread

• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, and we want it to be light and fluffy!
• Breaking Up the Oranges: As you fold the mandarin oranges into the batter, break them up a bit with your spoon. This creates varying sizes of orange pieces in the loaf, giving you those delightful bursts of citrus in every bite.
• Freezing for Later: This bread freezes wonderfully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep for up to three months, and when you’re ready to eat it, just thaw at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

While this Pumpkin Bread with Mandarin Oranges is fantastic on its own, who can resist adding a little something extra? Try spreading a bit of sweet cream butter on a warm slice, or serve it with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for an indulgent treat. It’s also lovely alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect addition to your fall breakfast table.

More Recipes You Will Love

• Blueberry Donuts
• Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts
• Apple Bread
• Orange Cardamon Bread