Aunt Peggy'S Irish Soda Bread
A hearty Irish soda bread with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast or teatime. Its crusty exterior and tender crumb suit all bread lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a cookie sheet.
- In a large bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add raisins to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine egg, buttermilk, and softened margarine.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Knead lightly on a floured surface to bring the dough together.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place on the prepared cookie sheet.
- Flatten the dough into a 7-inch circle.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove from oven and brush the top with melted margarine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using buttermilk or yogurt instead of regular milk. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added texture and nutrition. If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar up to 1/2 cup. Ensure not to over-knead the dough to keep the bread light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
Aunt Peggy's Irish soda bread is delightful served warm with butter and jam. It pairs beautifully with hearty soups or stews, making it an excellent accompaniment to dishes like Hot Clam And Cheese Spread. For a festive touch, serve alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover Irish soda bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm slices in a toaster or oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Peggy'S Irish Soda Bread contains roughly 240 calories, with 6g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 587mg per serving (26% 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 soda bread without raisins?
Yes, you can omit the raisins or replace them with other dried fruits like cranberries or currants if you prefer. Alternatively, you can add nuts or seeds for added texture and flavor.
How do I know when the soda bread is fully baked?
The bread is done when the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use self-rising flour, but you should omit the baking powder and baking soda from the recipe since self-rising flour already contains these leavening agents. Adjust the salt according to your taste.
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).