Orange Cranberry Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Orange Cranberry Irish Soda Bread

Recipe by Jennifer Roberts

Proper? Maybe not. But you’ll love this moist, delicious spin on Irish Soda Bread. Drizzle on the optional glaze to turn your soda bread into an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

• For the Soda Bread

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/3 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup white sugar

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 3/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

• 1 cup sour cream (I use light)

• 2 eggs

• 1 large orange (zest and reserve the juice)

• Butter or similar for greasing the pan

• For the Glaze (Optional)

• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar

• 2 Tablespoons water

• 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice

Directions

• Make the Soda Bread
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter, or similar. Optional: Line the pan with parchment paper after greasing (the soda bread will lift right out after baking).
• In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients, including cranberries and orange zest.
• In a separate bowl, combine all wet ingredients, including 1 Tablespoon of the orange juice, until smooth.
• Pour the liquid mixture into the dry mixture and combine until just moistened (dough will be very sticky).
• Place the dough in the pan and spread.  Cut two slits in the shape of an “X” through the top of the dough.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 75 minutes. NOTE: You will probably want to cover the bread with foil near the end of baking to prevent from burning–check regularly to see how brown it’s becoming.
• Remove bread from pan and allow to cool. You can check to make sure it’s done by inserting a knife into the center, which should come out clean.
• Make the Glaze (Optional)
• Mix all ingredients to form a smooth, thick, but pourable consistency.  If too thick, add more water.  If too liquid, add more sugar.
• Use a spoon or fork to drizzle across the top of the cooled soda bread.

Notes

• If you add the optional glaze, after a day or so, it will start to “melt” into more of a liquid. It’s still delicious.
• If you’re feeling extra decadent, spread some Irish butter on your slice of bread.

What’s the Story?

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  While I don’t have any Irish in me as far as I know, I’ve always enjoyed celebrating this holiday.  Plus, it has special meaning for my husband; his maternal grandfather was originally from Ireland, so celebrating this day is a nice tribute to his heritage.

Every year since we were married, I’ve made a special dinner for St. Patrick’s Day. My husband and boys can usually look forward to their favorite braised Corned Beef Brisket, Roasted Savoy Cabbage, and Champ (Irish mashed potatoes).

Now, I have to be honest: the first time I tried Soda Bread I was thoroughly underwhelmed.  I just can’t get excited about dry, bland baked goods containing raisins. For some reason, though, I was determined to make Soda Bread work for me, and I eventually improvised a recipe that has become a favorite annual tradition for my family and anyone else who has tried it.

Instead of raisins, I like to use cranberries, but in the past I’ve also used dried cherries and apricots.  And, while I’m sure it’s sacrilege or something, I like to top it all off with orange-flavored glaze, making it a worthy dessert for our Irish feast (not to mention a breakfast treat for one or two days after). My husband enjoys spreading Irish butter on his slice.

I hope you enjoy the recipe as much as we do!

Jennifer Roberts

is the founder, designer and author of Jen Spends Less. Formerly an architectural drafter and designer, Jen cut her spending and embraced a frugal lifestyle to be a stay at home mom.