Bright, zesty, and utterly delightful, this vegan citrus bread recipe is a breath of fresh air for your baking repertoire. Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast treat, a light afternoon snack, or a lovely dessert, this loaf delivers on all fronts.
Packed with the vibrant flavors of fresh citrus fruits, the bread is moist, tender, and naturally fragrant without relying on any animal products. Perfect for those following a vegan lifestyle or anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, plant-based baked good, this recipe balances the tang of lemon, orange, and lime with the subtle sweetness of natural sugar and the heartiness of whole wheat flour.
Not only is this bread easy to make, but it’s also versatile and customizable, making it a fantastic addition to your baking rotation. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll appreciate how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special.
Plus, it pairs beautifully with hot tea or coffee for a cozy, refreshing snack. Let’s dive in and bring some sunshine into your kitchen with this irresistible vegan citrus bread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan citrus bread is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it uses accessible, natural ingredients that you likely already have on hand, making it simple to whip up anytime.
The bread’s texture is perfectly moist and tender, thanks to the plant-based milk and oil, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth without being greasy or heavy.
The combination of lemon, orange, and lime zest and juice creates a delightful citrus aroma and flavor that’s bright but never overpowering. Plus, it’s refined sugar-free if you opt for maple syrup or coconut sugar, offering a healthier alternative without sacrificing sweetness.
The recipe is also adaptable—you can easily swap citrus fruits, add nuts or seeds, or even fold in vegan chocolate chips for a treat!
Finally, it’s an excellent example of vegan baking that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a nourishing homemade snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour for a lighter texture)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, or your favorite)
- 1/2 cup organic cane sugar or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free version
- 1/3 cup neutral oil (like avocado or sunflower oil)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (helps bread rise and adds tang)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (at least two: one for dry ingredients, one for wet)
- Whisk or fork (for mixing)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or fine grater (for citrus zest)
- Citrus juicer (optional but helpful)
- Loaf pan (8×4 inch works best)
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Cooling rack (for letting bread cool evenly)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with oil.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: plant-based milk, sugar (or maple syrup), oil, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, citrus zest, and citrus juice. Whisk until fully combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- If using nuts, fold them in now. You can also add in vegan chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a fun twist.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden and spring back when lightly pressed.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the bread to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Slice and serve with your favorite vegan butter or jam. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Tips & Variations
“For an even brighter flavor, try using Meyer lemons or blood oranges instead of regular citrus fruits. Adding a teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom can also add a lovely warmth to this bread.”
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free baking blend, ensuring it includes xanthan gum for structure.
- Sweetener Swap: Use coconut sugar, agave nectar, or date syrup instead of cane sugar or maple syrup.
- Add Seeds or Nuts: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chopped pecans add delightful crunch and extra nutrition.
- Citrus Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with fresh citrus juice to drizzle over the cooled bread for an extra zingy finish.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Slice (1/10 of loaf) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Vitamin C | 15% Daily Value |
Serving Suggestions
This citrus bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with a spread of vegan butter or coconut cream cheese for a comforting breakfast.
It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
For a fun dessert, toast slices lightly and drizzle with a homemade citrus glaze or vegan honey substitute. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit salad or a dollop of coconut yogurt for a light and refreshing treat.
Looking to mix things up? Try pairing this vegan citrus bread with Pecan Crackers Recipe for a savory-sweet snack combo or explore more vegan-friendly options like the Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a wholesome meal.
Conclusion
This vegan citrus bread recipe is a delightful way to brighten up your baking routine. Its combination of fresh citrus flavors, wholesome ingredients, and simple preparation makes it a perfect choice for anyone seeking a healthy, animal-friendly baked good.
The bread’s tender crumb and refreshing zing lend themselves well to a variety of occasions—from casual breakfasts to elegant brunches.
Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers flexibility and flavor that won’t disappoint. Plus, its wholesome nature makes it a guilt-free indulgence you can feel good about sharing with family and friends.
Give it a try and discover how easy and rewarding plant-based baking can be!
📖 Recipe Card: Citrus Bread Recipe Vegan
Description: A moist and flavorful vegan citrus bread perfect for breakfast or a snack. Bursting with fresh orange and lemon zest, it's both tangy and sweet.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT50M
Total Time: PT1H5M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine almond milk, oil, vinegar, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in orange and lemon zest gently.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 34 g
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