Apricot Orange Irish Soda Bread

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Step 2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients to the bowl of your electric mixer.

Step 4: Mix the dry ingredients on low speed.

Step 5: Add the cold butter cubes and mix on low speed until the butter is completely mixed into the dry ingredients.

Step 6: Use your fingers if necessary, to work any large chunks of butter into the flour.

Step 7: Using a fork, beat the egg, buttermilk, and zest in a measuring cup.

Step 8: Turn the mixer on low speed, and slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 9: Toss the dried apricots with the tablespoon of flour, then mix into the dough on low speed just until combined.

Step 10: The dough will be VERY wet!

Step 11: Pour the dough out onto a well floured surface and sprinkle with flour.

Step 12: Flour your hands and knead a few times until it’s in the shape of a round loaf.

Step 13: Place on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 14: Using a serrated knife

Step 15: Cut a small “X” into the center.

Step 16: Bake 50 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.

Step 17: Cool on a wire rack.