Gramma'S Irish Soda Bread
Gramma's Irish Soda Bread is a hearty, slightly sweet loaf infused with raisins and aromatic caraway seeds. Its crusty exterior and tender interior make it perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a comforting snack. This traditional bread combines simple ingredients for a satisfying, rustic treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together flour, soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together margarine, sugar, and eggs.
- Stir the creamed mixture into the flour mixture along with buttermilk until well combined.
- This mixture will be very stiff and heavy.
- Stir in caraway seeds and raisins.
- Spoon the batter into a buttered heavy casserole dish.
- Cut an X on top of the dough.
- Bake at 350°F for 75 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you want a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Make sure to mix gently to avoid overworking the dough, which could make the bread tough. Adding a handful of chopped nuts can also enhance the flavor profile, much like in Hungarian Nut Crescents.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm slices of Gramma's Irish Soda Bread with butter or a dollop of jam for breakfast or as a snack. It pairs beautifully with soups or stews, making it a great accompaniment to hearty meals. For a sweet treat, try serving it alongside tea or coffee, enhancing the experience with a slice of Divine Date Nut Loaf.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Irish 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 three months. To reheat, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gramma'S Irish Soda Bread contains roughly 343 calories, with 10g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), calcium (18% of the Daily Value), and iron (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1008mg per serving (44% 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 regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to one and a half cups of milk to create a buttermilk substitute. Let it sit for about five minutes before adding it to the recipe.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Additionally, you can insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Can I add other fruits to the soda bread?
Absolutely! You can substitute or add dried fruits like currants, dried cranberries, or chopped apricots for a different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the sugar content if using sweeter fruits.
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).