Orange Raisin Challah Recipe : Ugly Duckling Bakery

Name: Orange Raisin Challah
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 380 min
Ingredients: 4 cups (500 grams) unbleached bread flour (plus more as necessary); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; zests of 1 orange and ½ lemon; 1½ teaspoons instant yeast; 1 teaspoon salt; ¾ cup (177 grams) lukewarm water (plus more as necessary); 2 eggs, whole; 2 eggs, separated (whites reserved for egg wash); 2 tablespoons canola, safflower, or other neutral-flavored vegetable oil; ½ cup raisins

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This orange raisin challah is soft, fragrant, and slightly-sweet. It makes a lovely sandwich bread or base for French toast.

And it is the only challah recipe I will ever need.

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The background and adaptation

In case it’s not obvious to you, my dear reader, I’m an East Coast Jew. I grew up on overstuffed deli sandwiches and kosher pickles, food-focused holidays, and guilt. Lots of guilt. And having lived in Seattle for almost 25 years, I have finally accepted that it’s impossible to find good bagels or Jewish breads unless you import them or make them yourself.

a 5 braid raisin challah with four slices and bread knife.

This orange raisin challah recipe is adapted from Peter Reinhart’s The Bread Baker’s Apprentice. I strongly recommend this bread cookbook for all levels of bread-baker.

Tips and tricks for making this orange raisin challah

Braiding challah is a great way to involve your kids in the kitchen. The pics here were my first try at a 5-strand braid, but you could do lots of things with this recipe. Divide it into two 3-strands for 9×5 loaf pans (greased first). Braid it into a round loaf. Go wild, and enjoy.

If you want more options, check out Jamie Geller’s Challah Workshop YouTube videos.

Update (March 2021): the pics and video below are kiddo doing the 5-strand braid from How to Make a 5-Braided Challah. Divide the strands into a group of 3 and a group of 2. Take the outside strand from the group of 3 and move to the inside of the group of 2 (now a group of 3). Repeat with the outside strand of the new group of 3, and continue braiding the challah this way. When you can braid no more, tuck the ends under the loaf.

a step in the braiding of the orange raisin challah

the second step in the braiding of the orange raisin challah

continued braiding of the orange raisin challah

The below pics show the challah braid before and after the final rise. It is in a Emile Henry ceramic bread loaf pan* to get a semi-uniform shape for sandwiches.

*I’ve got nothing to disclose here, but I wouldn’t object if someone wanted to send me some bakeware!

the braided orange raisin challah rising in a ceramic baker

the orange raisin challah after rising in the ceramic baker

FAQs about this orange raisin challah

Will this bread work for French toast?

YES. You can find my orange zest French toast here. Or, for French toast waffles. I cut thick slices (1/2 inch at least), and use the batter from Dorie Greenspan’s Waffles from morning to midnight. Her recipe includes 3 eggs, 1/4c heavy cream, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, a pinch of salt, and an optional 1/8 tsp cinnamon and/or 2 tsp orange zest.

Why isn’t challah made with butter like other enriched breads?

Challah is traditionally made with oil and not butter so that it can be eaten with either meat or dairy-based meals for folks who keep kosher.

Can you freeze challah?

Challah will keep well for a few days at room temperature wrapped in a plastic bag on the countertop. You can also freeze challah whole, or slice it and freeze the slices in a freezer bag. Never put bread in the refrigerator.

Why does it irk you so much when people say “challah bread”?

Challah *is* bread, so it is redundant to say “challah bread.” Someone who tries to give you a recipe for “challah bread” is someone who doesn’t understand what challah is.

Related recipes

Check out other breads for sandwiches like this sweet brown bread or honey wheat loaf. Or, if you’re looking for other classic Jewish baking recipes, try my chocolate rugelach or Nutella babka.

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