Gram'S Irish Soda Bread
Gram's Irish Soda Bread is a delightful, rustic loaf infused with sweet raisins and enriched with buttermilk, creating a tender crumb and a slightly tangy flavor. Perfect for pairing with a warm cup of tea, this bread is a comforting treat that suits any occasion, especially family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 450°.
- Mix raisins with sifted flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in butter with a pastry blender until the consistency of cornmeal.
- Gradually add buttermilk and beaten eggs.
- Mix gently until just moistened.
- Knead lightly until smooth on a floured board and shape into a round loaf.
- Put dough in a greased round baking pan.
- With a sharp knife, cut a cross in the top of the dough.
- Bake for 10 minutes at 450°; reduce heat to 350° and bake for 45 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack.
- Slice and dunk in a cup of hot tea.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of orange zest to the dough. If you don't have buttermilk, a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice can be a good substitute. Ensure the butter is chilled for better texture when cutting it into the flour mixture. For a sweeter bread, you might increase the sugar to 4 tablespoons.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this Irish Soda Bread warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of lemon curd for a delightful breakfast or snack. It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea, making it a comforting treat. Consider serving alongside savory dishes, like Polish Stuffed Cabbage, for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover 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 a month. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gram'S Irish Soda Bread contains roughly 508 calories, with 3g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1332mg per serving (58% 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. However, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you're not a fan of raisins, you can substitute them with dried cranberries, currants, or chopped dried apricots. Each of these options will add a different yet delicious flavor to the bread.
How can I tell if the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it has a golden brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
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).