Description
This Irish Soda Bread is an easy and delightful treat perfect for any meal. With its irresistible flavor and simple list of ingredients like buttermilk and flour, it’s a must-try for bread lovers looking for a homemade option.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¾ cups raisins, or currants, optional*
- ⅔ cup irish whiskey such as jameson, 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, use the extra whites for an omelette or scrambled eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; divided
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar, optional (granulated sugar may be substituted)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a nonstick baking sheet with cooking spray. Alternatively, warm a greased 9-inch cast iron skillet.
- If using, soak the raisins in Irish whiskey or juice in a medium bowl while proceeding with the recipe.
- In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—together and set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, egg yolks, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, and granulated sugar until combined.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently with a wooden spoon or spatula, being careful not to overmix.
- Drain the soaking liquid from the raisins and add them to the dough, folding gently to combine.
- Transfer the dough onto the prepared baking sheet or hot skillet, shaping it into a round loaf.
- Score a large X on top of the dough with a knife, cutting about ½ inch deep.
- Brush the remaining melted butter over the dough's surface and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and cooked through, rotating halfway for even baking.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. Serve with a pat of butter if desired.
Notes
Baking times can vary, so monitor the bread closely to avoid overbaking.
This bread stays fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature or can be frozen for 3 months.
Using a cast iron skillet might speed up cooking time, so check earlier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg