Bea'S Irish Soda Bread
A hearty Irish soda bread with raisins and caraway seeds, featuring a slightly sweet and savory flavor profile. Perfect for breakfast, tea, or as a side dish for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a metal pie pan.
- Mix sifted flour and baking powder in a large bowl.
- Add sugar to the flour mixture.
- Pour in vegetable oil and add eggs.
- Mix everything together with a fork until combined.
- Add raisins and caraway seed, then mix into the dough.
- Gradually add milk, starting with 1/2 cup, until the dough is not too wet.
- Knead the dough with your hands until it comes together.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in the prepared pie pan.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg. You can substitute the raisins with currants or chopped dried apricots for a different twist. If you want a more traditional Irish touch, replace vegetable oil with melted butter. Be careful not to over-knead the dough; just bring it together until smooth for a tender loaf.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with generous pats of butter, which pairs beautifully with Bea's Irish Soda Bread. This bread complements a variety of dishes, from hearty soups to stews, and can also be enjoyed with jam or honey for breakfast. For a delightful treat, try it alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, place slices in a toaster or warm them in the oven until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bea'S Irish Soda Bread contains roughly 699 calories, with 18g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (54% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for some of the all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it may result in a denser loaf. A good ratio is to replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for better texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of caraway seeds?
If you don't have caraway seeds, you can substitute with fennel seeds for a similar anise-like flavor. Alternatively, leave them out entirely if you prefer a milder taste. The bread will still be delicious without them.
How can I tell when the soda bread is done baking?
The soda bread is done when it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning while the inside finishes cooking.
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).