Irish Soda Bread Raisins Orange (Printable)

Rustic quick bread with plump raisins and bright orange zest, ideal for breakfast or tea.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

→ Add-ins

08 - 1 cup raisins
09 - Zest of 1 large orange (about 1 tablespoon)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease surface.
02 - Whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in large bowl until thoroughly blended.
03 - Whisk buttermilk, egg, and melted butter in separate bowl until smooth and uniform.
04 - Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture. Add raisins and orange zest. Stir with wooden spoon until shaggy dough forms.
05 - Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead gently just until dough comes together, avoiding overworking. Shape into 7-inch round loaf.
06 - Place loaf on prepared baking sheet. Cut deep X across top with sharp knife, about 1/2 inch deep. Bake 35-40 minutes until golden brown and skewer inserted in center comes out clean.
07 - Transfer to wire rack and cool for minimum 30 minutes before slicing to ensure proper texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The baking soda reaction creates the most incredible rise without any yeast or waiting period
  • Orange zest transforms ordinary raisins into something magical and bright
  • Your kitchen will smell like an Irish bakery in under an hour
02 -
  • Overworking the dough makes it tough, so stop as soon as it holds together
  • The X cut must be deep enough or the center will bake unevenly
  • Room temperature buttermilk yields better results than cold straight from the fridge
03 -
  • Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture and rise
  • The orange zest is worth every second of grating effort, do not skip it

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