Orange Cinnamon Bread from Heaven

Orange Cinnamon Bread from Heaven

Introduction

As a former aid worker who has wandered through countless kitchens across continents, I've discovered that the most profound comfort comes from simple ingredients transformed by love. This Orange Cinnamon Bread carries the warmth of hearth and home - a recipe that bridges cultures and creates moments of pure joy. Each slice whispers stories of hospitality and the sacred act of breaking bread together.

Cuisine: American Homestyle Baking

History and Cultural Significance

Orange Cinnamon Bread represents the heart of American homestyle baking that flourished in the mid-20th century. During the 1950s and 1960s, as suburban communities grew and home kitchens became centres of family life, sweet breads like this became symbols of domestic comfort and hospitality. The combination of citrus and warm spices reflected America's growing access to global flavors while maintaining the comforting familiarity of traditional yeast breads.

This style of baking emerged during an era when home bakers took pride in creating elaborate, time-intensive recipes that demonstrated care and skill. The ritual of bread-making became a meditative practice, connecting generations through shared techniques and treasured family recipes.

Ingredients

• 2 packages (¼ oz. each) active dry yeast

• ¼ cup warm water (110-115°F)

• 1 cup milk

• ¾ cup orange juice

• 1 cup sugar, divided

• 1 tablespoon grated orange peel

• 1½ teaspoons salt

• 1 large egg

• 6½ to 7 cups all-purpose flour

• Additional water for brushing

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup confectioner's sugar

• 2 tablespoons orange juice

• ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Process

Step 1: Activate the Yeast (10 minutes)

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large mixing bowl. In a saucepan, gently heat milk and orange juice to 110°F. Add the yeast mixture and let the foam develop.

Step 2: Create the Dough (15 minutes)

Stir in ½ cup sugar, orange peel, salt, egg, and 3 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms (approximately 6½ cups total).

Step 3: Knead and First Rise (1 hour 15 minutes)

Turn dough onto floured surface and knead 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).

Step 4: Shape the Loaves (20 minutes)

Punch down dough and divide it in half. Roll each portion into 15" x 7" rectangles. Brush lightly with water. Combine cinnamon with remaining ½ cup sugar and sprinkle over dough, leaving 1" border.

Step 5: Form and Second Rise (1 hour)

Roll tightly jelly-roll style from short end. Seal seams and place seam-side down in greased 9" x 5" loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled.

Step 6: Bake and Glaze (45 minutes)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Cool on wire racks. Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over completely cooled bread.

Nutritional Content (Per Slice, 16 slices per loaf)

• Calories: 285

• Carbohydrates: 58g

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 2g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 18g

• Sodium: 220mg

• Vitamin C: 8% DV (from orange juice and peel)

Pro Variation Tips

Flavor Enhancements:

• Add 1 teaspoon orange extract to the dough for intensified citrus flavor.

• Incorporate ½ cup dried cranberries or chopped pecans into the cinnamon filling.

• Substitute buttermilk for regular milk for enhanced tang.

Technique Refinements:

• Use a stand mixer with dough hook for easier mixing (3-4 minutes on low speed)

• Test dough elasticity by stretching a small piece - it should be translucent

• For extra shine, brush tops with egg wash before baking

Storage Solutions:

• Wrap cooled bread in aluminium foil, then place in loosely tied plastic bags

• Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic for quick breakfast options

• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to a week

Concluding Thoughts

In my years serving communities across distant lands, I learned that bread is more than sustenance - it's connection, comfort, and hope wrapped in golden crust. This Orange Cinnamon Bread embodies the patient love of creating something beautiful from humble beginnings, much like the lives we touch through service. "She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household." - Proverbs 31:15