Print

Easy Irish Soda Bread with Raisins & Caraway – Best Recipe

easy irish soda bread with raisins and caraway - featured image
Print Recipe

This easy Irish soda bread with raisins and caraway is a quick, no-yeast bread that comes together in under 15 minutes. It’s crusty on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, with a subtle tang from buttermilk and bursts of sweetness from raisins.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
  • 1¾ cups (420ml) buttermilk, well-shaken
  • 1 cup (150g) raisins
  • 1½ tablespoons caraway seeds
  • Optional: 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  3. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces.
  4. Stir in raisins and caraway seeds until evenly distributed.
  5. Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk. Mix gently with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Dough will be shaggy and slightly sticky.
  6. Lightly flour hands and a work surface. Turn dough out and gently shape into a round disc about 1½ inches thick. Do not knead.
  7. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross into the top, about ½ inch deep.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and hollow when tapped on the bottom. Internal temperature should be around 200°F (93°C).
  9. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Let rest at least 30 minutes.

Notes

Don’t overmix the dough; overworking develops gluten and makes the bread tough. Use cold ingredients for best rise. Let buttermilk and baking soda react for about 30 seconds before mixing. For extra-crispy bottom crust, preheat the baking sheet in the oven. Toss raisins with a tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish soda bread, soda bread, raisin bread, caraway bread, easy bread, no yeast bread, St. Patrick's Day bread

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/easy-irish-soda-bread-with-raisins-and-caraway-best-recipe/