If you have a soft spot for warm, homey bread that carries a touch of sweet surprise in every bite, this Irish Soda Bread with Raisins Recipe is going to feel like a warm hug from the inside out. Unlike your usual yeast breads, this quick bread relies on baking soda for its lift, making it wonderfully dense yet tender, with bursts of juicy raisins that add a lovely contrast. It’s the kind of bread that’s perfect for breakfast with butter and jam, or served alongside a comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for cozy baking occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s a simple magic in this recipe that comes from a handful of kitchen staples, each bringing their own special quality to the table. The flour forms the sturdy base, sugar adds just the right hint of sweetness, and the cold butter creates a tender crumb. Then, buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, helping the bread rise beautifully while the raisins bring a juicy texture and natural sweetness.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus 1/4 cup more for dusting): The foundation of the bread, providing structure and a soft crumb.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the flavors with just a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tsp sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the bread from being bland.
- 1 tsp baking soda: The leavening agent that gives this bread its signature rise.
- 6 Tbsp cold unsalted butter (plus 1/2 Tbsp to grease pan): Adds richness and tenderness; cold butter creates flaky pockets in the crumb.
- 1 3/4 cups cold lowfat buttermilk or kefir: Reacts with the soda for rise, also contributes a subtle tang.
- 1 large egg (cold): Helps bind ingredients and enriches the dough.
- 1 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional): Adds bursts of sweet juiciness throughout the bread.
How to Make Irish Soda Bread with Raisins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F, ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature to bake the bread evenly. Meanwhile, generously grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with that little extra half tablespoon of butter. This step is key for a wonderfully crisp and golden crust that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Incorporate Butter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda until fully combined. Then, cut your cold butter into small pieces and use your fingers to quickly work it into the flour mixture. The goal is to create a crumbly texture with visible little butter bits throughout. Stir in the raisins, breaking up any clumps, so the sweet pockets will be well distributed in the final loaf.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Form the Dough
In a separate measuring cup, whisk together cold buttermilk and the cold egg until blended. Pour this mixture into your dry ingredients and gently stir with a wooden spoon, mixing just until the flour is moistened and the dough begins to come together. Remember, minimal mixing is the secret to tender soda bread, so keep it light and easy.
Step 4: Shape Your Loaf
Transfer the shaggy dough onto a lightly floured surface. Use floured hands to gently shape it into a round loaf, careful not to overwork it. The dough will feel rough and a bit sticky, but if it’s too tacky to handle, dust a touch more flour on your hands. This rustic shape is exactly what gives Irish soda bread its charming, homemade look.
Step 5: Score and Bake
Place your formed dough into the buttered cast-iron skillet. Using a sharp knife, score a deep, large “X” across the top. This traditional scoring not only gives the bread a classic look but also helps it cook evenly. Bake in the center of your preheated oven for about 50 to 55 minutes, until the crust is golden and a tap on the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing.
How to Serve Irish Soda Bread with Raisins Recipe
Garnishes
Classic butter is the easiest way to highlight the bread’s natural flavor, but don’t hesitate to spread some honey or your favorite jam for a delightful touch of sweetness. A sprinkle of cinnamon butter or a light dusting of powdered sugar also pairs beautifully, making each bite feel special.
Side Dishes
This bread shines alongside bowls of hearty stews or creamy soups, where its dense texture stands up well to soaking up rich broths. It’s also a lovely companion to a sharp cheese board, where the sweet raisins balance perfectly with salty cheeses like aged cheddar or tangy blue cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, slice the bread thick and serve with a spread of fresh berries, clotted cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup. You can even toast the slices lightly and add avocado or smoked salmon for a savory twist. The rustic look of the bread makes it a charming centerpiece for any casual gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Irish soda bread is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be kept wrapped tightly in plastic or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain the bread’s moisture without making the crust lose its lovely crispness.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Irish Soda Bread with Raisins Recipe around longer, slice it first and freeze the slices separately in a freezer bag. This way, you can pull out just what you need without thawing the whole loaf. Frozen soda bread slices will stay good for about 2 months and thaw quickly.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop the bread or slices into a 350˚F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. If in a hurry, you can also warm a slice briefly in a toaster. This revives the crust’s crispiness and gets the inside tender and soft again, just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
What makes Irish soda bread different from other breads?
Irish soda bread uses baking soda as its leavening agent instead of yeast, which means it doesn’t need rising time and has a denser, crumbly texture with a quick preparation time.
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, currants, or chopped dried apricots work beautifully and add different layers of flavor and texture to the bread.
Why is the butter cold in this recipe?
Cold butter helps create little flaky pockets in the bread’s crumb. As the bread bakes, the butter melts and leaves behind tender layers, similar to what you’d find in biscuits or scones.
How do I know when the soda bread is fully baked?
The loaf should have a golden crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean without wet dough.
Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
You can, but since buttermilk’s acidity reacts with the baking soda for the proper rise and flavor, if you only have milk, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic that tang.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about baking your own loaf of Irish soda bread with raisins. It’s a simple recipe that delivers warmth, sweetness, and a rustic charm all in one bite. Whether it’s for a quick breakfast or a cozy dinner side, give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it time and time again to share with family and friends.
