Easy Cranberry Orange Soda Bread from Scratch
There’s something timeless about a loaf of Irish Soda Bread made from scratch— rustic, hearty, and beautifully simple. But when you add fresh orange zest and tart cranberries, it transforms into something extra special. This Orange Cranberry Irish Soda Bread is tender, lightly sweet, and bursting with citrus flavor. It’s perfect for spring brunch, holiday gatherings, or a cozy afternoon with tea.
Whether you’re baking for St. Patrick’s Day, Easter brunch, or just because your kitchen needs the scent of fresh orange and warm bread, this recipe delivers every time.
INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED….
- all-purpose flour
- sugar
- baking powder
- baking soda
- salt
- orange zest
- eggs
- fresh orange juice
- buttermilk
- unsalted butter
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
This Orange Cranberry Irish Soda Bread is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple, reliable without requiring complicated steps.
What I love most about this bread is how effortless it feels. There’s no waiting for dough to rise, no complicated steps — just mix, shape, and bake. Yet when it comes out of the oven golden and fragrant, it feels like you’ve made something truly special. It’s the kind of loaf that looks beautiful on a brunch table, especially around St. Patrick’s Day.
If you try it, serve it warm with butter and a hot cup of tea — and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new seasonal tradition in your home.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, Orange Cranberry Soda Bread is one of those dependable recipes that feels impressive but is wonderfully simple to make.
Scroll on down for the complete recipe….
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk orange zest, eggs, orange juice, buttermilk, and melted butter until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough will be thick — that’s normal. Fold in cranberries gently.
- Form the dough into a round loaf and place it on your prepared pan. Lightly score an “X” on top — this helps it bake evenly and gives it that classic soda bread look.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Whisk powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth and drizzle over the cooled loaf.