Description
This Irish Soda Bread delivers on flavor and simplicity with buttermilk, flour, and optional raisins. It’s perfect as a quick side for dinner or a delightful snack with butter, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¾ cups raisins or currants (optional)
- ⅔ cup Irish whiskey (or apple juice or white grape juice, optional)
- 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs + 2 yolks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (divided)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a nonstick baking sheet with cooking spray; alternatively, use a 9-inch cast iron skillet, greasing it well with butter.
- If using raisins, soak them in Irish whiskey or juice in a medium bowl while continuing with the recipe.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs plus yolks, 3 tablespoons melted butter, and granulated sugar, whisking well.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently to combine, avoiding overmixing.
- If using soaked raisins, drain them and fold into the dough without overmixing.
- Turn the dough onto the prepared baking sheet or greased skillet, shaping it into a round loaf.
- Score the top of the dough with a large knife, making a deep X.
- Brush the top with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if using.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked in the middle; rotating halfway for even baking. Check early to avoid burning.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing. Best served fresh with butter.
Notes
This recipe can be modified with various soaking liquids for the raisins or omitted entirely based on preference.
Ensure not to overmix the dough to maintain a light texture in the bread.
Bread keeps well at room temperature for 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg