Table of Contents
Introduction
Gluten-free orange zucchini bread isn’t just a healthy snack—it’s a slice of sunshine at your table. When you bake this bread, your kitchen fills with the irresistible scent of fresh citrus and warm spices. Each bite is moist, bright, and perfect for sharing, whether for breakfast, lunchboxes, or a cozy afternoon treat. This gluten-free recipe guarantees a loaf that’s soft and flavorful, never dry or crumbly. You’ll discover how easy it is to transform garden zucchini and fresh orange into a gluten-free loaf that’s delicious for everyone, even the toughest critics at your family table.
The Story & Why Gluten-Free Orange Zucchini Bread is a Family Favorite
A Slice of Childhood and a Taste of Summer
My kitchen has always been a meeting place for tradition and experimentation. Growing up between the hills of Kalymnos and the city streets of New York, I learned early that food tells a story. Zucchini bread was a staple in my childhood—sweet, moist, and packed with homegrown squash from my grandmother’s garden. But gluten-free orange zucchini bread came later, born from a need to create something everyone at my family table could enjoy.
It started with Emily, my daughter, watching her little hands grate zucchini (under my careful eye) while my mother Elizabeth zested oranges with a touch only a Greek grandmother can manage. My Polish husband Marek, who’s suspicious of anything labeled “gluten-free,” was the first to go back for seconds.
The Secret is in the Citrus and the Love
What makes this gluten-free orange zucchini bread truly stand out? It’s the brightness of fresh orange—both zest and juice—that lifts every bite. And it’s the shared laughter and spilled flour that goes into every loaf. In our home, we don’t chase perfection; we chase flavor, texture, and togetherness. The bread comes out of the oven moist, gently sweet, with golden edges and a sunshiny aroma that invites everyone to the kitchen.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free treat that feels both nostalgic and brand new, this orange zucchini bread is the recipe you’ll want to bake on repeat. For us, it’s a family ritual—a recipe card that’s already getting soft around the edges, and a memory in every slice.
The Keys to Moist and Delicious Gluten-Free Orange Zucchini Bread
Choosing the Best Gluten-Free Flours
To get soft, moist, gluten-free orange zucchini bread, your flour blend matters. A quality gluten-free all-purpose flour that includes xanthan gum is your best friend here. Xanthan gum helps mimic the elasticity of wheat, so your loaf holds together instead of crumbling. If your blend doesn’t have it, add half a teaspoon per loaf. Almond flour can bring extra tenderness, while a bit of oat flour adds mild, nutty flavor and helps the crumb stay moist.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with blends, but make sure they’re labeled “gluten-free” to keep your recipe safe for everyone at your table. Rice flour, tapioca, and potato starch are common in the best mixes, but avoid too much coconut flour—it can make your bread dense and dry.
Fresh Zucchini and Bright Orange: The Heart of the Recipe
Zucchini is the unsung hero here. It melts into the batter, bringing moisture without making your gluten-free orange zucchini bread taste like vegetables. Grate it finely, then press out extra liquid with a towel so the bread bakes up light, not soggy. Don’t skip this step, especially with extra-watery summer zucchini.
What transforms a classic loaf into something unforgettable is the orange. Use both zest and juice for flavor that’s bright but not overpowering. The zest adds essential oils that fill your kitchen with a citrusy scent, while the juice keeps the crumb extra soft. If you want a little more zing, a splash of orange extract is optional, but not necessary.
Other flavor boosters? A hint of cinnamon or nutmeg plays well with the citrus. Greek yogurt or applesauce in the batter can bump up the moisture and help your gluten-free orange zucchini bread stay fresh for days.
Here’s a handy table for the key ingredients and their role:
| Ingredient | Why It’s Essential |
| ————————– | ——————————————- |
| Gluten-free flour blend | Structure, replaces wheat, holds loaf together |
| Xanthan gum | Prevents crumbling, gives chew |
| Zucchini | Moisture, tenderness, mild flavor |
| Orange zest and juice | Freshness, citrus aroma, soft crumb |
| Eggs | Binds batter, adds richness |
| Greek yogurt or applesauce | Keeps loaf moist and tender |
| Sugar or honey | Sweetness, helps browning |
Troubleshooting and Pro Tips for Gluten-Free Orange Zucchini Bread
Even with the best gluten-free recipes, sometimes you run into small snags. If your gluten-free orange zucchini bread turns out gummy, dry, or sunken in the middle, don’t worry—these issues are common and easy to solve.
If your bread is too gummy or dense, it usually means there’s too much moisture left in the zucchini or not enough structure from your flour blend. Always squeeze grated zucchini well before mixing it in, and measure your flour carefully. If you’re using homemade oat flour, make sure it’s finely ground.
If your loaf turns out dry, your flour blend might be too absorbent, or the bread may have baked a bit too long. Use a toothpick to test doneness—look for a few moist crumbs, not dry crumbs. Adding Greek yogurt or applesauce, as mentioned earlier, will help keep the texture soft and tender for days.
For a sunken loaf, let the bread cool completely before slicing so it can set up and firm as it cools. Overmixing the batter can also deflate your rise—mix just until the flour disappears.
A few extra pro tips:
* Use room temperature eggs and yogurt so your batter comes together smoothly.
* For the best flavor, zest your orange right over the mixing bowl so you capture all the citrus oils.
* Sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for texture and fun, if your family likes it.
* Store leftovers in an airtight container or freeze individual slices for a quick, gluten-free breakfast anytime.
Baking gluten-free orange zucchini bread may take a batch or two to make it truly your own, but the process is half the fun. Every loaf is a chance to learn, adapt, and build your family’s traditions, one sweet and citrusy slice at a time.
Making, Storing, and Enjoying Gluten-Free Orange Zucchini Bread
Once you’ve baked your gluten-free orange zucchini bread, storing it right is the key to keeping it soft and flavorful. Let your loaf cool completely before wrapping it in parchment or plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week if your kitchen is warm. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread—just wrap individual slices and keep them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the toaster for a quick treat.
Want to make your mornings easier? Bake two loaves at once. Freeze one for later, and you’ll always have gluten-free orange zucchini bread ready for lunchboxes or unexpected guests. If you love to prep ahead, you can even mix the dry ingredients and keep them in a jar, so all you need to add are the wet ingredients, zucchini, and orange when you’re ready to bake.
Don’t just serve this bread plain! It’s delicious with a swipe of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a layer of cream cheese. For an extra-special breakfast, try toasting a slice and topping with orange marmalade. Leftover slices also make a fantastic base for French toast or bread pudding.
In our family, gluten-free orange zucchini bread is more than just a snack—it’s a way to slow down and gather, whether we’re sharing it warm from the oven or sneaking a slice straight from the freezer. Every bite is a little celebration of bright flavors, old traditions, and new memories at the kitchen table.
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Gluten-Free Orange Zucchini Bread: The Moist, Citrusy Loaf Your Family Will Love
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
Description
Bring a burst of citrus and sunshine to your table with this gluten-free orange zucchini bread—moist, zesty, and perfect for sharing with family at breakfast, snack time, or anytime you want a cozy homemade treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum, or add 1/2 tsp if not included)
- 1/2 cup almond flour or oat flour (optional, for extra tenderness)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (or nutmeg)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or honey
- 1/3 cup oil (avocado, canola, or melted coconut oil)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or applesauce
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 1/4 cups finely grated zucchini (pressed dry with towel)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment.
- In a large bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, almond/oat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar/honey, oil, Greek yogurt/applesauce, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir just until combined.
- Fold in the grated, pressed-dry zucchini (and nuts or chocolate chips, if using) until evenly distributed—don’t overmix.
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days, refrigerate for a week, or freeze individual slices for longer storage.
Notes
Squeeze zucchini well so the bread stays fluffy, not soggy. For extra citrus punch, zest the orange right over your mixing bowl. Add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts make it extra special for kids and guests!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Gluten-Free, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you keep gluten-free zucchini bread moist?
The key is to squeeze excess liquid from the grated zucchini and use moisture-boosting ingredients like Greek yogurt, applesauce, or oil. Don’t overbake—check for doneness with a toothpick and remove from the oven as soon as it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
2. Can I use almond flour or oat flour for gluten-free orange zucchini bread?
Yes! Almond flour adds tenderness, while oat flour brings subtle flavor and softness. For best results, use them as part of a gluten-free blend, not as the only flour, so your bread holds together and doesn’t become dense or crumbly.
3. Can I freeze gluten-free orange zucchini bread?
Absolutely. Let the bread cool completely, slice it, and wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or toast slices for quick, delicious breakfasts.
4. Why did my gluten-free zucchini bread sink in the middle?
This usually happens if the batter is too wet, the bread is underbaked, or the loaf is sliced before it cools. Be sure to squeeze zucchini, measure ingredients accurately, and let the bread cool fully before cutting
Conclusion
Gluten-free orange zucchini bread brings together everything I love about baking—bright citrus, garden vegetables, and the comfort of homemade treats that everyone can enjoy. In our kitchen, it’s more than just a loaf; it’s a celebration of family and tradition, adapted for today’s table. Whether you’re serving this bread for breakfast, dessert, or sharing it with friends, every slice is a little reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and bake with joy.
👉 I hope you enjoyed making this Gluten-Free Orange Zucchini Bread—a sweet, zesty, and nourishing loaf that’s moist, bursting with citrus, and just the right amount of cozy for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert.
If you’re on a gluten-free journey or love baking with fresh veggies, check out our Gluten-Free Greek Quinoa Salad—it’s a wholesome, easy meal to pair with your bread. Craving a treat to go alongside? Try our fruity Strawberry Cheesecake Bites or whip up an Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough for One for that perfect single-serve indulgence.
Love the orange flavor? You’ll adore the Lemon Poppy Seed Almond Flour Pancakes from SANTMD—they’re gluten-free, fresh, and a wonderful way to start the day. For more creative ways to bake gluten-free bread, try the Quick No Oven Stovetop Bread or the Homemade Panini Bread.
Looking for extra gluten-free inspo? DanaRecipes has a Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread Recipe that’s sweet, tropical, and loaded with goodness. Or get creative with their Sweet Sourdough Bread with Blueberries for another twist on homemade loaves.
For more gluten-free recipes and ideas, be sure to check out Best Green Bean Casserole and keep your eyes on our site for new cozy bakes!
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