Dennis Walker'S Irish Soda Bread
Dennis Walker's Irish Soda Bread is a hearty, slightly sweet loaf with raisins and optional caraway seeds, perfect for breakfast or teatime, offering a tender crumb and golden crust.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the raisins, sour cream, and eggs.
- Add the sugar, sifted flour, baking powder, and baking soda to the mixture.
- Mix well until the batter is stiff.
- Divide the batter into two greased loaf pans.
- Sprinkle with caraway seed if desired.
- Bake on the lower shelf of a 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
- Then move to a higher shelf and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Test with a toothpick to ensure doneness.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra touch of flavor, consider soaking the raisins in warm water or whiskey before adding them to the batter. If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup. You can also substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for added nutrition and a heartier texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Irish soda bread is delicious served warm with a pat of butter or alongside a bowl of hearty soup, such as Irish potato soup. It also pairs beautifully with Mom'S Artichoke Dip for a delightful appetizer or snack. Enjoy it alongside a cup of tea for a comforting afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Irish soda 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, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dennis Walker'S Irish Soda Bread contains roughly 852 calories, with 18g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (98% of the Daily Value), calcium (80% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 non-dairy substitutes for the sour cream?
Yes, you can use a non-dairy yogurt or a plant-based sour cream alternative in this recipe. Coconut yogurt or cashew-based sour cream works well and will maintain the moisture and texture of the bread.
What can I do if my batter is too dry?
If the batter seems too dry, you can add a little milk or extra sour cream, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Make sure to mix well after each addition to avoid over-moistening.
Is it necessary to use caraway seeds?
Caraway seeds are optional and provide a unique flavor to the bread. If you enjoy the taste, feel free to sprinkle them on top. However, for a sweeter bread, you can omit them and still enjoy a delicious loaf.
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).