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Classic Irish Soda Bread with Raisins

irish soda bread with raisins - featured image

A quick and easy traditional Irish soda bread with sweet bursts of raisins, perfect for cozy breakfasts or tea times. This recipe uses simple pantry staples and requires no yeast or proofing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 3/4 cups (420ml) buttermilk, preferably full-fat
  • 3/4 cup (110g) raisins
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar if using.
  3. Stir in the raisins so they are well coated with flour.
  4. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together buttermilk and melted butter.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. The dough will be sticky and shaggy.
  6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat into a round about 8 inches (20cm) in diameter and 2 inches (5cm) thick.
  7. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross about 1/2 inch (1.3cm) across the top of the loaf.
  8. Transfer the loaf to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  9. Remove from oven and cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to avoid toughness. Flour your hands and surface lightly when shaping. Use fresh baking soda for best rise. Score the loaf deeply to help it bake evenly. Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent gumminess. For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish soda bread, soda bread with raisins, quick bread, traditional Irish bread, no yeast bread, easy bread recipe