Irish Bread
Irish Bread is a traditional, hearty loaf with a slightly sweet flavor from raisins, featuring a tender crumb and a golden crust. Perfect for breakfast, tea, or casual gatherings, it appeals to bread lovers and those craving a comforting homemade treat. Its simple ingredients make it accessible for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter, sugar, and eggs together until well combined.
- Sift all dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt) into a bowl.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients and raisins to the creamed mixture.
- Mix well until the dough is moist and evenly combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan or loaf tin.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce, which can also reduce the fat content. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 2/3 cups of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Ensure to mix the batter gently to avoid overworking the dough.
Serving Suggestions
This Irish Bread is delightful when served warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside dishes like French Bread Casserole or a bowl of Cauliflower Soup for a comforting and filling experience.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Irish Bread contains roughly 223 calories, with 3g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1548mg per serving (67% 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 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk and letting it sit for a few minutes to sour. This will mimic the tangy flavor of buttermilk and help achieve the right texture in your bread.
What can I substitute for raisins?
If you don't have raisins, you can substitute with dried cranberries, currants, or chopped dried apricots. Each will add a unique flavor and sweetness to the bread, making it equally delicious.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The best way to check if the bread is done is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. If it has wet batter on it, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes.
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).