Basic Irish Bread
A hearty Irish bread with a tender crumb, lightly sweetened and full of subtle spice and raisins, perfect for breakfast, snack, or alongside hearty stews.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat the sides of the bread pan with melted margarine, then pour the remaining melted margarine into a blender.
- In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, spice, and raisins.
- Add eggs and buttermilk to the blender with the melted margarine and blend until well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bread pan and bake for approximately 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before removing from the pan and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For a twist, try incorporating chopped nuts or dried cranberries instead of raisins. Remember not to overmix the batter to ensure a tender crumb.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Irish bread warm with butter or cream cheese for a delightful breakfast treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider adding a side of fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait for a complete meal. For dessert, try it alongside a slice of Mama Matthew's Japanese Fruit Cake for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Irish bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and toast in a toaster or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Irish Bread contains roughly 345 calories, with 6g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1502mg per serving (65% 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 gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to check that your baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
What can I use instead of margarine?
You can replace margarine with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Both will provide a rich flavor and moisture to the bread.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.
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).