The state of Alabama has a unique obsession with orange rolls, pastries painted in the citrus tint of their gridiron rival, the Tennessee Volunteers. Orange rolls, similar in appearance to cinnamon rolls, are made with yeast dough and can contain various fillings such as cinnamon, orange curd, or marmalade. All Steak, a steakhouse in Cullman, Alabama, is credited with being the birthplace of the state’s orange roll. The sweet and tart tang of the orange rolls at All Steak comes from a glaze made with sugar, butter, and a hint of orange peel. The Alabama Tourism Board has recognized the steakhouse orange pastry as one of the 100 best things to eat in Alabama.
Millie Ray, a Birmingham homemaker, became an icon for Alabama orange rolls in 1979 when she started baking them for garden-club potluck parties. Her company, Millie Ray and Sons, now distributes the orange rolls throughout the Southeast, as well as to locations in Texas and Kansas. While orange rolls are popular in Alabama, they are also a Sunday brunch staple in the Midwest. The exact origin of orange rolls in the Midwest is unclear, but it is believed to have been influenced by the popularity of Florida oranges in the 1920s. The use of oranges was likely popularized by Sunkist, a cooperative of orange growers founded in 1893. Orange rolls remain a beloved pastry in both Alabama and the Midwest.
Orange rolls have a long-standing tradition in Alabama, with their popularity likely influenced by the abundance of Florida oranges in the early 20th century. The state is home to unique variations of the pastry, including those containing cinnamon, orange curd, or marmalade. All Steak, a steakhouse in Cullman, Alabama, is credited with being the birthplace of the state’s orange roll. These sweet and tart treats have gained recognition from the Alabama Tourism Board as one of the 100 best things to eat in the state. Millie Ray, a Birmingham homemaker, has also had a significant impact on the popularity of orange rolls with her company distributing the treats throughout the Southeast and beyond.
Orange rolls are not exclusive to Alabama, as they have been a Sunday brunch staple in the Midwest for decades. The exact origins of orange rolls in the Midwest are unclear, but they likely have roots in the popularity of Florida oranges. It is believed that orange rolls were popularized by Sunkist, a cooperative of orange growers founded in 1893. Despite the variations in recipes and fillings, such as cinnamon or orange curd, orange rolls remain a beloved pastry in both Alabama and the Midwest. The tradition of orange rolls continues to thrive in both regions, with unique twists and variations adding to the pastry’s popularity.
