Holiday Soda Bread
A moist, flavorful soda bread studded with sweet raisins, perfect for festive occasions or cozy family gatherings, offering a delightful blend of sweetness and richness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash the raisins, leaving them slightly moist.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then stir in buttermilk and melted butter.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the raisins.
- Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider soaking the white raisins in warm water or rum for about 30 minutes before adding them to the batter. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. This bread can also be enhanced with spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for a festive touch.
Serving Suggestions
This Holiday Soda Bread is delightful served warm with butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or a snack. Consider serving it alongside a bowl of soup or salad for a cozy lunch. For dessert, it complements well with the Lovelight Chocolate Chiffon Cake or Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bars.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover 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 a month. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Soda Bread contains roughly 163 calories, with 2g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1315mg per serving (57% 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 other types of raisins or dried fruits?
Yes, you can easily substitute white raisins with golden raisins, currants, or even dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. Each will add a unique touch to the soda bread while maintaining its deliciousness.
What if I don't have baking soda?
If you find yourself without baking soda, you can use double the amount of baking powder in the recipe. Just be aware that the texture may differ slightly, but it will still yield a tasty bread.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it fresh the next day. Just allow the batter to come to room temperature before baking for the best results.
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).