Midnight-Sun Bread

This Scandinavian-inspired bread machine loaf is a keeper. Buttermilk gives it a tender, slightly tangy crumb while honey and applesauce add gentle sweetness without making it feel like dessert. The real character comes from the caraway seeds and orange zest working together, creating that distinctly Northern European flavor that’s earthy and bright all at once.

Raisins scattered throughout add little bursts of sweetness in every slice. Because this is a bread machine recipe, your job is basically measuring and pressing a button. The machine handles the kneading, rising, and baking.

Kitchen Tips

• Add the raisins at the “add-in” beep if your bread machine has one. Adding them at the start can turn them into purple mush.
• Use room-temperature buttermilk. Cold liquid slows the yeast and can throw off the rise cycle.
• Grate the orange zest on a microplane for fine, even pieces that distribute throughout the dough rather than leaving big chewy pockets.
• Slice with a serrated knife after cooling completely. Cutting warm bread machine loaves compresses the crumb.

Variations

• Replace raisins with dried cranberries for a tarter, more colorful loaf.
• Add a teaspoon of cardamom for an even more authentic Nordic flavor profile.
• Skip the caraway if you find it too savory and double the orange zest instead.