Panera Holiday Bread Recipe: Sweet Orange Loaf With Citrus Glaze

This citrus-infused loaf captures the warmth and comfort of the holiday season in every slice. The sweet orange flavor shines through beautifully, making it a festive addition to any gathering.

What makes this recipe special is the moist, tender crumb and the bright citrus glaze that adds a touch of elegance. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

The process is straightforward, with simple ingredients coming together to create a bread that tastes as impressive as it looks. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer.

Serve it warm or at room temperature, and watch it disappear as friends and family enjoy its irresistible charm.

Ingredients for Panera Holiday Bread

Bright citrus and pantry staples create this festive, tender holiday loaf with ease.

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The orange zest is key here—use navel or Valencia oranges for the sweetest, most aromatic peel. I grab mine from Whole Foods when they’re in peak season, but any grocery store with fresh citrus will work. The butter should be high-quality unsalted—Plugrá or Kerrygold melt beautifully into the batter. For the yogurt, Fage or Chobani full-fat gives the best moisture without thinning the mix.

No fresh oranges? Bottled orange juice (not from concentrate) works in a pinch, but you’ll miss the zest’s brightness. Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream at the same amount—adds richness with a slight tang. Out of vanilla? Almond extract at half the amount gives a different but pleasant warmth. The glaze can be thinned with more cream or milk if it’s too thick.

This loaf stays moist for 3-4 days wrapped at room temperature. The glaze sets fully after 1 hour—best to add it once the bread is completely cool. Slices freeze beautifully for up to 3 months in airtight packaging.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sweet Orange Loaf With Citrus Glaze

This method ensures a moist crumb with bright citrus flavor in every slice.

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the 3 cups All-Purpose Flour, 1 cup Granulated Sugar, 1 tbsp Baking Powder, 0.5 tsp Baking Soda, and 0.5 tsp Salt until fully combined. I like to sift the flour first to prevent lumps in the batter.

This step aerates the dry ingredients and ensures even distribution of leavening agents. The sugar will help create a tender crumb, while the baking powder and baking soda work together to provide lift and balance the acidity from the orange juice.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the 2 whole Large Eggs lightly. Add the 2 tbsp Orange Zest, 0.75 cup Fresh Orange Juice, 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (melted and cooled), 1 tsp Vanilla Extract, and 0.5 cup Greek Yogurt. Whisk until smooth and fully emulsified.

The orange zest adds concentrated citrus flavor, while the yogurt contributes moisture and a subtle tang. Make sure the melted butter has cooled slightly before adding it to the eggs to prevent cooking them prematurely.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix. The batter will be thick but should still be pourable. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in a tough loaf.

Transfer the batter to a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Prepare the Citrus Glaze

While the loaf bakes, whisk together the 1 cup Powdered Sugar and 2 tbsp Heavy Cream in a small bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add additional cream 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency.

This glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish that complements the orange flavor in the bread. The powdered sugar dissolves easily, creating a smooth texture without any graininess.

Step 5: Glaze and Cool

Once the loaf is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack set over a sheet of parchment paper. While the loaf is still warm, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This waiting period ensures the glaze hardens slightly, creating a beautiful, glossy finish that won’t run off when you cut into the loaf.

Flavor Customization for This Recipe

Citrus Twists

For a lemon-lime variation, replace the orange zest and juice with 2 tbsp lemon zest and ¾ cup lime juice. The tartness brightens the sweetness beautifully, creating a refreshing twist on the original. 🌟

Spiced Holiday Bread

Add 1 tsp ground cinnamon and ½ tsp nutmeg to the dry ingredients for warm spice notes. I love this version in winter—it pairs perfectly with a cup of chai tea or hot cocoa.

Nutty Crunch

Fold in ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans at the end of mixing for added texture. Toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until fragrant before adding.

Chocolate-Orange Delight

Mix in ½ cup mini chocolate chips with the dry ingredients for a chocolate-orange flavor reminiscent of a Terry’s Chocolate Orange. Use Ghirardelli or Guittard chips for the best melt.

Maple Glaze Swap

Replace the citrus glaze with a maple version: whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tbsp milk. This adds a cozy, autumnal sweetness that complements the orange beautifully. ✨

Tropical Infusion

Add ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained well) and ¼ cup shredded coconut to the batter. The pineapple keeps the loaf extra moist, while the coconut adds a subtle chew. Perfect for summer gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions