If you have a soft spot for comforting, rustic breads that fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas, then this Irish Raisin Soda Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. This beloved traditional bread blends the perfect harmony of sweet raisins with the unmistakable tangy bite of buttermilk and a tender crumb that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy brunch or an afternoon snack with tea, this soda bread is surprisingly simple to whip up yet remarkably satisfying, bringing a little taste of Ireland straight to your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Irish Raisin Soda Bread Recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, each playing an essential role in crafting the bread’s delightful texture and flavor. The balance between dry and wet components ensures a tender, slightly sweet loaf with just the right crumb and a lovely golden crust.
- White flour: 3 1/4 cups provide the sturdy base and structure for the bread.
- White sugar: 1/2 cup adds just enough sweetness to complement the raisins.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon helps give the bread a gentle rise and soft texture.
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon combines with buttermilk to create a classic soda bread leavening effect.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon balances flavors and enhances every bite.
- Cold butter: 6 tablespoons cut into the dry mix create delightful pockets of richness.
- Raisins: 3/4 cup dispersed throughout the dough bring juicy bursts of sweetness and a chewy contrast.
- Large egg: 1 egg adds richness and helps bind ingredients together.
- Buttermilk: 3/4 cup lends tanginess and tenderizes the crumb for that signature soda bread softness.
How to Make Irish Raisin Soda Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This high heat is crucial for achieving that beautifully golden crust soda bread is known for. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking, and lightly dust with flour. This simple prep ensures easy removal and a clean bake.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Cut in Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine your white flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Next, cut the cold butter into these dry ingredients until the mixture takes on a crumbly, wet-sand texture. This step traps air and creates those flaky bits in the bread, making every bite tender and delicious.
Step 3: Add the Raisins
Sprinkle your raisins into the flour mixture and stir gently until they’re evenly coated and distributed. Coating them prevents the fruit from sinking to the bottom of the dough during baking, so every slice will have a lovely sweet surprise!
Step 4: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Whisk together the egg and buttermilk in a separate jug until combined. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients, then stir with a wooden spoon just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix — the dough should be slightly shaggy and rustic, which will lead to a fluffy, tender bread.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and give it 2 to 3 gentle kneads. Avoid overworking it to keep the texture light. Shape the dough into a round ball and transfer it to your prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, slice a deep cross into the center — nearly cutting through the entire loaf. This traditional scoring helps the bread cook evenly and gives it that iconic look.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your carefully shaped dough into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bread turns a gorgeous golden-brown. To check for doneness, tap the bottom of the loaf — it should sound hollow. Once baked, place it on a cooling rack to rest before slicing so the crumb finishes setting perfectly.
How to Serve Irish Raisin Soda Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Irish Raisin Soda Bread gets even better when enhanced with simple touches. A light spread of creamy butter is a timeless way to enjoy it, letting the bread’s flavor shine through. For something special, try honey or clotted cream to complement the subtle sweetness of the raisins.
Side Dishes
This bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside a hearty bowl of Irish stew or a fresh mixed greens salad for a balanced meal. It’s also delightful with cheese and cold cuts, perfect for a casual lunch or picnic.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or brunch, slice the Irish Raisin Soda Bread into thick rounds and toast them lightly. Top with ricotta and a drizzle of honey or layer smoked salmon and capers for a savory twist. The bread’s rustic charm makes it a showstopper even with minimal garnishing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your bread completely before storing it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days at room temperature. Keep it away from direct sunlight or moisture to maintain its texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Irish Raisin Soda Bread Recipe on hand longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. This method preserves freshness for up to 3 months without sacrificing quality.
Reheating
To enjoy the bread’s wonderful crust and softness after storage, warm slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through. This brings back that fresh-baked aroma and texture, making leftovers taste just like new.
FAQs
Can I substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part or all of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and denser texture. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so you might need to adjust the buttermilk slightly.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I use something else?
If buttermilk isn’t handy, mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes works well as a substitute. This gives the tangy acidity that reacts with baking soda for proper leavening.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread should be golden-brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also insert a skewer or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean without wet dough clinging to it.
Can I add nuts or other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or dried cranberries complement the raisins deliciously and add extra texture. Just be sure to maintain the overall volume so the dough consistency stays right.
What’s the best way to slice this soda bread?
Using a serrated bread knife, cut the loaf along the scored cross into wedges. Make sure the bread has cooled to avoid squishing the soft crumb. Serving in wedges showcases the classic Irish presentation.
Final Thoughts
There is something magical about making and sharing a loaf of Irish Raisin Soda Bread Recipe that resonates with warmth and tradition. This simple, yet flavorful bread brings comfort and sweetness in every bite, perfect for any time you want to feel a bit closer to home or Ireland. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and find it as delightful and easy as I do — it really does make any day a little brighter.
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Irish Raisin Soda Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This classic Irish Soda Bread with Raisins is a quick and easy bread recipe that requires no yeast or rising time. Made with simple pantry ingredients, including flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and buttermilk, this bread has a deliciously tender crumb with a slightly sweet flavor from the raisins. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or alongside a hearty soup, it’s a traditional Irish treat that can be prepared and baked in under an hour.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups white flour
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Fat
- 6 tablespoons cold butter
Fruits
- 3/4 cup raisins
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Prep: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with baking parchment or a silicone mat. Lightly flour the surface where you will work the dough.
- Combine dry ingredients and butter: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles wet sand, ensuring small lumps of butter remain for a tender texture.
- Add raisins: Stir the raisins into the flour and butter mixture, coating them evenly to prevent them from sinking during baking.
- Add wet ingredients: In a separate measuring jug, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. Pour this wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir gently with a wooden spoon just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light crumb.
- Shape bread: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough gently 2 to 3 times to bring it together without overworking it. Shape the dough into a round ball and place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, make a deep crosswise cut across the top of the dough almost to the bottom, to help the bread bake evenly and develop its traditional look.
- Bake bread: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer the bread to a cooling rack and let it cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use cold butter to create flaky layers in the bread.
- Do not overwork the dough to avoid a tough texture.
- Make sure the cross cut on top is deep to allow proper expansion during baking.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with 3/4 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
