Marmalade Nut Bread is from one of my favorite little cookbooks, Julia Waldbaum Has a recipe for Holiday Cooking, copyright 1963. I have to admit I never even looked at the copyright date until today (8/8/2020), and I’m amazed the book is in such good condition. It was a gift from my late mother-in-law who would probably be super happy to know it was being used. So if you need a recipe from Julia Waldbaum, let me know and I’ll email you a photo. But back to Marmalade Nut Bread.
This recipe is in the Thanksgiving section, which is a perfect time to bake it. Walnuts are in season, plus it’s easy to put together when you have multiple projects going on. To make it, you just mix the dry ingredients with the wet and fold everything together like you would for muffins. Marmalade Nut Bread is as easy or maybe even easier than the typical banana bread.
Marmalade Nut Bread Loaf Pan Size
But there are some things to consider, like whether you want one loaf or two. The recipe as written will give you one 9x5 (or slightly larger) loaf or two 8x4 inch loaves. The first time I made Marmalade Nut Bread I divided it between two 9x5 loaf pans and got short and stubby loaves. They tasted fine, but 8x4 inch pans will give you a nicer shape.
Good Brands of Orange Marmalade
The flavor and texture of the bread is about what you’d expect in a not-too-oily quick bread. Most of the fat comes from the nuts, and the moisture comes from a full cup of orange juice and marmalade. For the marmalade, you can use any brand. I like one called James Keiller & Sons because it has big chunks of candied orange zest in it, which means you get chunks of orange zest in the bread. But any brand will do. If anything, this recipe is a great excuse to try some new brands of marmalade or maybe even make your own!
I recommend this recipe, but if you want another option and like slightly spicy foods, you could also consider Texas Cranberry Jalapeno Bread which has a similar texture, but is made with jalapeno jelly.
Recipe
Julia Waldbaum's Marmalade Nut Bread
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups 11.8 oz all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup walnuts toasted and chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1 cup orange juice
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 8x4 or two 9x5 inch loaf pan. For a larger loaf, just use one 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add the toasted walnuts and stir well.
- In a second bowl, mix together the egg, marmalade, orange juice and oil. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until mixed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake on center rack for 50 minutes to 1 hour. My small loaves took 50 minutes, so I imagine one large would take 1 hour.
Anna says
Sue, the soda bread is not in my book. The person who requested it did find it, so maybe she'll share it. I'll look for it as well.
Sue Lynch says
Hi, If you found the Irish soda bread recipe I would really appreciate a copy of it as well. It reminds me of my Mom she used to make that recipe every year. I have been searching and can’t find it anywhere.
Thank you!
Anna says
Hi Laura,
I will hunt down the book and email you a picture of it if it's in there. Stay tuned.
Laura Dapp says
hi I'm going crazy looking for my copy of her Irish soda bread recipe. had it about 30 years. do you happen to have it? I remember what it looked like. but can't remember if it was in the book or on a circular. I'd be so appreciative as it is the best! thank you
Anna says
Hi Lynn! Yes, I still have the book. In fact I was just flipping through it a few weeks ago and thinking I should try something else. I will send you a photo of the recipe and maybe even make it for the family.
Lynn M says
Wow, what a pleasant surprise to see that old holiday cookbook from Waldbaums. Do you still have it? I lost mine many years sgo. There was a great recipe for Sour Cream Apple Pie in that cookbook. I'd love it if you would share it.
Katrina says
And I just saw in my pantry the other day a jar of orange marmalade that I don't know why I bought and wasn't sure what I'd do with it. Sounds like a great bread to make minis for some neighbor Christmas gifts!
Chewthefat says
I was looking for a good marmalade bread a month or so ago and didn't find one! This looks perfect! I like the short, stubby loaf--it seems like a perfect 'tea' bread to have with cream cheese or butter, so perhaps the appearance was intentional.
CindyD says
And could you use sugar free orange marmalade or simply fruit (if there is such a thing) and lower the sugar further?