Description
A classic recipe for Grandma’s Irish Soda Bread, a traditional and easy homemade bread that is perfect for any occasion. This quick bread is tender, slightly sweet, and studded with plump raisins, making it a beloved favorite for breakfast or tea time.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup raisins or currants
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a cast iron skillet or baking sheet.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Add Butter: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Stir in the raisins and caraway seeds if using. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg, then pour into the flour mixture. Stir until just combined; the dough will be sticky.
- Knead and Shape: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 8–10 times until it comes together. Shape into a round loaf and place on the prepared skillet or baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep ‘X’ across the top.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the loaf is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For a more tender loaf, avoid overmixing.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use 1 3/4 cups milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar.
- This bread is best served warm with butter and jam.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
