This Orange Cardamom Morning Bread is like a warm hug on a chilly morning—bright, fragrant, and just the right kind of indulgent. I first made it for a weekend brunch with friends, and it was gone before I could pour the coffee! It’s that perfect mix of cozy citrus and exotic spice, and trust me, it smells like heaven while it bakes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One whiff of this bread fresh from the oven and you’ll be hooked—just like I was the first time I made it for a girls’ weekend. The blend of orange zest and ground cardamom is absolutely unforgettable!
- Bright, citrusy flavor with a warm, spiced finish
- Perfect for brunches, coffee breaks, or gifting
- Moist and tender crumb with a beautiful golden crust
- Freezes well—hello, make-ahead magic!
- Smells like you’ve been baking all morning (even though it’s super simple!)
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Pro Tips
- If you can find whole cardamom pods, grind them fresh for a more intense flavor.
- No Greek yogurt? Sour cream or full-fat plain yogurt work just as well.
- Use Meyer lemons as a twist if you want a slightly floral variation.
- Add a handful of chopped pistachios for color and a delightful crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cardamom.
- In a large bowl, combine the orange zest and sugar. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar until fragrant.
- Whisk in the eggs, Greek yogurt, melted butter, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if it’s a little lumpy!
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t skip rubbing the orange zest into the sugar—it really enhances the flavor!
- Room temp ingredients blend better and make for a more tender crumb.
- If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Wrap cooled bread tightly and store at room temp for up to 3 days.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice for added sweetness.
- Slice and toast leftover bread, then add a pat of butter for an ultra-comforting breakfast.
- Add in chopped walnuts, pistachios, or dried cranberries for texture.
- Serve with whipped mascarpone or honey butter for an elegant brunch spread.
FAQs
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes even better the next day. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and store it at room temp or in the fridge.
How should I freeze it?
Wrap the loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 tsp if needed.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cardamom.
- Mix sugar and orange zest until fragrant. Add eggs, yogurt, butter, juice, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in dry ingredients just until combined. Pour into pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to a rack.
Nutrition: ~240 calories per serving
Did you give this Orange Cardamom Morning Bread a try? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid, or pin it to your brunch board for later love. Happy baking!
