Irish Soda Bread(From Grandma Bridget Higgins)
Irish Soda Bread with sweet raisins offers a hearty, moist loaf with subtle sweetness and a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast, tea, or as a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix eggs, buttermilk, and Crisco oil. Set aside.
- In a very large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, raisins, and baking soda.
- Pour in the buttermilk mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until well combined.
- As the mixture thickens, use your hands to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Divide the dough equally into 3 well-buttered bread pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Insert a clean toothpick into the center of the bread to test for doneness.
- If particles cling to the toothpick, bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the buttermilk with yogurt. If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar to 1 cup. Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh for optimal rise. Mixing the dough until just combined helps prevent a tough texture. You can also add caraway seeds for an authentic twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Irish soda bread is delightful served warm with butter or jam. It pairs wonderfully with hearty soups or stews, such as a traditional Irish lamb stew. For a unique twist, try it alongside Almond Mushrooms for a savory contrast. A side of Spinach With Yoghurt Arab Style adds a fresh element to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Irish soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh longer, you can freeze slices, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. To reheat, simply pop slices in the toaster or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Irish Soda Bread(From Grandma Bridget Higgins) contains roughly 721 calories, with 20g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1429mg per serving (62% 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 whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser texture. Start with a 50/50 mix and adjust based on your preference. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so you might need to increase the buttermilk slightly.
What can I use instead of Crisco oil?
If you prefer not to use Crisco oil, you can substitute it with melted butter or vegetable oil. Olive oil can also work for a richer taste. Just ensure that the fat is in liquid form when added to the buttermilk mixture for proper incorporation.
Can I omit the raisins?
Absolutely! If you don't like raisins, you can leave them out entirely or replace them with other dried fruits like cranberries or currants. For a savory version, consider adding herbs or spices instead to create a different flavor profile.
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).