Orange Black Sesame Loaf

Why You'll Love it

This loaf combines bright, fresh orange with rich, nutty black sesame for a unique flavor pairing that's both cozy and refreshing. It's incredibly moist, easy to make, and a fun twist on traditional quick bread that feels bakery-worthy with every slice. 🍊🖤

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 1¾ cups + 1 tablespoon (215 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon fine salt

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

  
  

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

• ¾ cup (150 g) light or dark brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup (120 g) Greek yogurt

• ½ cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice

• Zest of 2 oranges

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

• ½ to ¾ teaspoon orange extract

• ½ cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil

  
  

Black Sesame Swirl

• 3 tablespoons black sesame paste

• Optional: black sesame seeds for topping

  
  

Instructions

Prepare the Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and orange zest. Rub the zest into the sugars with your fingertips until fragrant.

Add the eggs and whisk until smooth. Stir in the Greek yogurt, orange juice, vanilla, orange extract, and olive oil until fully combined.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold together just until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.

Create the Swirl

Divide the batter evenly between two bowls. Stir the black sesame paste into one portion until fully incorporated.

Alternate spoonfuls of the plain orange batter and black sesame batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together.

Sprinkle the top with black sesame seeds, if desired.

Bake

Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

If the loaf begins browning too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15–20 minutes of baking.

Cool

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh orange zest. The zest provides the majority of the orange flavor, so don't skip it.

• Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.

• Rub the zest into the sugar. This simple step releases the citrus oils and creates a much stronger orange flavor.

• Tent with foil if needed. Citrus-based loaves can brown quickly due to their sugar content.

  
  

Storage

Store the loaf tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. The orange and sesame flavors become even more pronounced the next day, making this loaf perfect for making ahead.

Enjoy every bright, citrusy slice! 🍊🖤