If you are looking for a heartwarming treat that combines rustic charm with a touch of sweetness, the Irish Raisin Soda Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful bread captures the essence of Irish baking with its tender crumb and sweet bursts of raisins, all brought together by the magic of baking soda—no yeast required. It’s a perfect comfort food that’s easy to make at home and is sure to bring a smile to your table with every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Irish Raisin Soda Bread Recipe calls for simple, staple ingredients you likely have on hand. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the bread’s distinct texture, flavor, and that lovely golden crust you crave.
- All-purpose flour (4 and 1/4 cups / 535 grams): Provides the structure and body of the bread.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup / 50 grams): Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the tartness of raisins.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): The leavening agent that gives soda bread its quick rise and tender crumb.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor and helps balance sweetness.
- Cold unsalted butter (1/4 cup / 60 grams, cubed): Adds richness and creates a flaky texture.
- Raisins (1 cup / 160 grams): Infuses sweetness and chewy bursts throughout the bread.
- Buttermilk (1 and 1/2 cups / 360 ml): Provides moisture, tanginess, and reacts with baking soda for the rise.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and contributes to tenderness and color.
How to Make Irish Raisin Soda Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to keep your bread from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Getting this ready before you mix ensures a smooth transition to baking when your dough is ready.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients with Butter and Raisins
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined. Next, add the cold cubed butter, using a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the dry mixture until it resembles small pea-sized crumbs. This step is essential as these bits of butter create the bread’s tender, crumbly texture. Gently stir in the raisins to make sure they’re evenly distributed without breaking them up.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients and Form Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth and fully combined. Pour this liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until the dough just comes together. Expect it to be a little sticky — that’s exactly what we want for a moist and tender loaf.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Lightly flour the top of the dough and your hands as well to prevent sticking, then knead gently just a few times, adding flour as needed. Form the dough into a round ball roughly 7 inches in diameter. This rustic shape is traditional and perfect for even baking.
Step 5: Score and Prepare for Baking
Using a sharp knife, cut a deep “X” on the top of your dough. This classic scoring lets heat penetrate the bread for even baking and creates that iconic look. For a lovely finish, brush the top with a little extra buttermilk if you like—a little extra golden color never hurts!
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Done
Place your prepared loaf in the oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll know your bread is ready when the crust is a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once out of the oven, let it cool on a rack for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing, allowing the crumb to set beautifully.
How to Serve Irish Raisin Soda Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While this bread is delicious on its own, a pat of fresh butter or a drizzle of honey immediately after slicing elevates the experience beautifully. Savoring it warm also lets the raisins shine, releasing their sweet juiciness with every bite.
Side Dishes
This Irish Raisin Soda Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty soups, like a creamy potato leek or a rich beef stew. It also works well alongside rustic cheeses or a simple bowl of cultured butter and jam for a classic Irish-inspired snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider slicing the bread thick and turning it into French toast with cinnamon and nutmeg or using it as a base for open-faced sandwiches topped with smoked salmon and cream cheese. Its subtle sweetness adds a delightful twist to savory toppings that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. This will help preserve the bread’s soft interior and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save your Irish Raisin Soda Bread Recipe for later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap then aluminum foil and freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight for best results.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to life, warm slices in a toaster or oven at a low temperature until heated through. This gentle reheating revives the bread’s tender crumb and enhances the raisin’s sweet notes.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with another dried fruit?
Absolutely! Currants, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots all make excellent alternatives, each bringing a unique flavor and texture to your Irish Raisin Soda Bread Recipe.
What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 and 1/2 cups of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using to mimic the tanginess and acid needed for the baking soda to work effectively.
Is it necessary to use cold butter?
Yes, cold butter is key for achieving that tender, crumbly texture in soda bread. It creates small pockets within the dough that melt during baking, giving the bread a flaky softness.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Besides the golden crust, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
Can I make this bread vegan?
With some tweaks, yes! Substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with vinegar and replace the egg with a flax or chia egg for a delicious vegan version of this Irish Raisin Soda Bread Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely comforting about making and sharing homemade bread, especially one as charming and flavorful as this Irish Raisin Soda Bread Recipe. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple everyday treat, this bread promises warmth, sweetness, and a little piece of tradition in every slice. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to keep baking again and again.
Print
Irish Raisin Soda Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices)
Description
A traditional Irish soda bread recipe featuring plump raisins for a slightly sweet twist. This quick bread uses baking soda as a leavening agent instead of yeast, making it simple to prepare and perfect for an authentic Irish treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 and 1/4 cups (535 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Butter and Fruit
- 1/4 cup (60 grams) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup (160 grams) raisins or dried currants
Wet Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups (360 ml) buttermilk
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well mixed. Add the cold cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fork until you achieve pea-sized crumbs. Stir in the raisins evenly throughout the mixture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and the egg until fully combined and smooth.
- Form the Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until the dough comes together. The dough will be slightly sticky, which is normal for this bread.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Lightly flour the top of the dough and your hands. Knead the dough gently several times, adding more flour as necessary, until you form a smooth ball approximately 7 inches in diameter.
- Score and Prepare for Baking: Transfer the dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep ‘X’ on top of the dough. Optionally, brush the top with a little extra buttermilk to promote browning.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, until the top of the bread turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using cold butter is essential for the crumbly texture of the bread.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the bread tender.
- You can substitute currants for raisins if preferred.
- Buttermilk can be replaced with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic acidity.
- Slicing the ‘X’ on top helps the bread bake evenly and gives it the traditional look.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
