Irish Soda Bread Raisins (Printable)
Rustic bread featuring raisins and orange zest, ideal for a flavorful start or tea time.
# What You 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 the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until thoroughly blended.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Add the raisins and orange zest. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
05 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently just until it comes together, being careful not to overwork. Shape into a round loaf about 7 inches across and place on the prepared baking sheet.
06 - Using a sharp knife, cut a deep X across the top of the loaf, about 1/2 inch deep.
07 - Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the crumb to set.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Buttermilk creates the most tender crumb while that traditional X on top lets the bread bake properly from the inside out
- The orange zest and raisins transform an everyday quick bread into something special enough for guests
02 -
- Overworking the dough makes it tough, so stop kneading as soon as it comes together
- The X on top isn't decorative, it helps heat reach the center of this dense loaf
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients mix together more evenly
- Test your baking soda by dropping a bit in vinegar, it should bubble vigorously