Aunt Brigie'S Irish Soda Bread
A hearty Irish soda bread with sweet raisins, perfect for breakfast or tea. Its crusty texture and tender crumb suit family gatherings and casual snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Rub chilled shortening into the dry ingredients until well combined.
- Mix well-beaten egg and buttermilk, then add to the dry mixture, stirring until combined.
- Add raisins and mix well into the dough.
- Place the dough in a greased 9-inch round cake pan or ovenproof skillet, spreading to fill the pan.
- Cut a cross in the top of the dough to prevent cracking during baking.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes to an hour until golden brown and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the buttermilk with plain yogurt. If you don't have raisins, dried cranberries or currants can be used instead. Be careful not to overmix the dough after adding the wet ingredients, as this can lead to a tougher bread. Ensure the shortening is well-chilled for optimal texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with butter and jam for a delightful breakfast or snack. This bread pairs beautifully with a hearty soup or stew, making it an excellent accompaniment to dishes like Irish lamb stew. For a sweet treat, enjoy it with a cup of tea alongside Pineapple Sour Cream Roll-Ups.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Irish soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, place slices in a toaster or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Brigie'S Irish Soda Bread contains roughly 579 calories, with 11g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (28% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1545mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread without buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice. For every cup of buttermilk needed, use 1 cup of milk and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before using.
Is it possible to add other ingredients to the soda bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor. Just keep in mind that adding more ingredients may affect the baking time slightly.
What should I do if my bread is too dense?
If your soda bread turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing the dough or using old baking powder. Make sure to mix gently after adding the wet ingredients. Also, check the freshness of your baking powder, as it should be effective for proper rising.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).