Orange Soda Bread
A moist, flavorful orange soda bread with raisins and a hint of orange zest, perfect for breakfast or teatime, offering a sweet, citrusy aroma and tender crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl.
- Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk and orange juice; mix well.
- Add egg, raisins, and orange peel; beat until smooth, noting the dough will be sticky.
- Knead lightly on a well-greased 9-inch round cake pan.
- Cut an X across the top of the loaf.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. Feel free to add zest from the orange peel for extra flavor. This bread can also be adapted by incorporating nuts or seeds.
Serving Suggestions
This orange soda bread is delightful served warm with butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with Kahlua Fruit Dip for a sweet treat. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or soup for a light lunch. For a special breakfast, enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover orange soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to regain its freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Soda Bread contains roughly 216 calories, with 6g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1059mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of juice instead of orange?
Yes, you can substitute with other citrus juices like lemon or grapefruit for a different flavor profile. However, keep in mind that the bread will have a different taste and sweetness level, so you may want to adjust the sugar accordingly.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to handle, you can lightly flour your hands and the work surface while kneading. Alternatively, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Just be careful not to add too much, as this can affect the bread's texture.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking. This method can help develop flavors even further.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).