Pan d’Arancio, or Orange Bread, is a delicious and fragrant cake that perfectly embodies the essence of Sicily. With its soft and tender crumb and a burst of natural orange flavor in every bite, this traditional recipe is a must-try for citrus lovers. While orange-flavored breads exist in many cultures, our version is distinctly Sicilian, using whole oranges—including the peel—for an intense and aromatic taste.
A Slice of Sicilian History
The origins of Pan d’Arancio likely date back to the 17th century, with roots in the kitchens of the Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena in Catania. At the time, Sicilian monks were known for their culinary expertise, creating exquisite sweets using the finest local ingredients. With an abundance of oranges, almonds, and olive oil—all staples of Sicilian agriculture since antiquity—it’s easy to imagine how this cake was born. Interestingly, the recipe contains no butter, only olive oil, a natural choice in a region where olive trees flourish.
👉 Want to learn more? Check out the history of the Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena in Catania, one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to Make Sicilian Pan d’Arancio
To recreate this authentic Sicilian dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 200g all-purpose flour or semolina flour
- 100g almond flour (ideally from high-quality whole almonds)
- 150g sugar (can be substituted with honey or coconut sugar)
- 100ml extra virgin olive oil (or vegetable oil, but Sicilian tradition favors olive oil!)
- 1 large organic orange (use the whole fruit, peel included!)
- 3 eggs
- 1 packet of instant active yeast
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, almond flour, and yeast.
- Add the eggs, sugar, and olive oil, mixing well.
- Cut the whole orange (yes, peel and all!), blend it until smooth, and add it to the mixture. Stir until fully combined.
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a little olive oil and pour in the batter, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Serving & Storage Tips
This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in a resealable bag. When ready to serve, let it thaw at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✨ Naturally light and wholesome – No butter, just heart-healthy Sicilian olive oil
✨ Intensely aromatic – Made with whole oranges for a deep citrus fragrance
✨ Easy & authentic – A taste of Sicilian tradition with just a few simple ingredients
✨ Versatile – Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert
Cook Live with Us! 👩🍳👨🍳
Want to experience the magic of Sicilian baking firsthand? Join our online cooking class live from our farm! We’ll guide you step by step in making this beautiful dessert while sharing stories of Sicilian food culture.
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💛 Buon appetito & see you in the kitchen!
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