Beth'S Irish Soda Bread
A hearty Irish soda bread featuring caraway seeds and raisins, with a tender crumb and slightly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast, tea, or with hearty stews.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all dry ingredients, including caraway seed and raisins, in a large bowl.
- Mix all dry ingredients together.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, milk, and sour cream.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, one-third at a time, mixing well until all moistened.
- Pour the batter into a greased pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 to 70 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more traditional flavor, consider adding more caraway seeds or substituting half of the raisins with currants. If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar slightly. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise. Avoid overmixing the wet and dry ingredients to maintain a tender crumb. For a twist, try adding orange zest for a citrusy note.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with butter or cream cheese for a delightful treat. This bread pairs beautifully with a bowl of soup or a hearty stew, making it a perfect companion for a cozy meal. For a sweeter option, enjoy it with jam or honey. You can also try it alongside Apricot-Coconut Balls(A No Bake Recipe!) for a unique dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Irish soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 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 until heated through for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beth'S Irish Soda Bread contains roughly 734 calories, with 19g protein, 164g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (54% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2639mg per serving (115% 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 use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly, making it denser. You may also need to adjust the liquid slightly to accommodate the difference in absorption.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain yogurt, buttermilk, or even a mixture of cream cheese and milk to achieve a similar texture and tanginess. Each alternative will impart a slightly different flavor, so choose one that best fits your preference.
Can I make this bread without raisins?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet bread or want to avoid raisins, you can omit them entirely or replace them with chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a more indulgent twist. Adjust the sugar level if necessary based on the sweetness of your additions.
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).