To begin making the Irish Soda Bread Recipe with Orange Rind and Oats, preheat the oven to 180 C. Line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper or you can bake in a loaf pan too.

In a large bowl or a bowl of the stand mixer, combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Using the paddle attachment of the stand mixer, mix the ingredients together on low speed. Gradually add the butter, eggs, orange rind, buttermilk and prunes in that order.  Beat in the mixer until all the ingredients are well combined. You could also do this procedure with your hands on a working surface.

Once the ingredients are well combined in the mixer, bring the dough into a floured surface and knead for a few minutes until it forms a smooth dough. While kneading shape it into a round loaf.

Place the loaf on the prepared sheet or loaf pan. Cut lengthwise making a very small depression on the center on the top of the bread with the help of a knife.

This helps in the inside of the bread getting baked evenly.  Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes  or until a tester when inserted comes out clean.

When done, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled slice to serve.