Eva'S Irish Soda Bread
Eva's Irish Soda Bread offers a traditional, hearty loaf with a tender crumb, subtle sweetness from raisins, and a hint of caraway, perfect for breakfast or with tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and optional caraway seed and raisins.
- Mix well.
- In a medium bowl, beat eggs. Add buttermilk and melted butter.
- Combine well.
- Pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon just until moistened.
- Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured board. Knead lightly until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Shape the dough into a ball.
- Place on a cookie sheet.
- With hands, flatten into a 7-inch circle.
- With a sharp knife, cut 1/4-inch deep into the top to mark into quarters.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when rapped with a knuckle.
- Remove the loaf to a wire rack.
- Brush the top with butter and cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the wet ingredients. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Knead the dough as little as possible to keep the bread tender. If you like, add raisins for sweetness, which pairs beautifully with English Tea Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Irish soda bread warm, slathered with butter or alongside a hearty soup or stew for a comforting meal. It also makes a delightful accompaniment to breakfast, especially with jam or honey. Pair it with a cup of tea for a lovely afternoon snack, or enjoy it with Sausage Pasties for a satisfying lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Irish soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place slices in a toaster or warm them in the oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eva'S Irish Soda Bread contains roughly 214 calories, with 5g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% 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 half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a nuttier flavor. However, the texture may be denser, so you might need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the right consistency.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is baked through. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, you can sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and your hands while kneading. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the bread dense. Aim for a smooth texture that's slightly tacky but manageable.
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).