Mom'S Irish Soda Bread
Mom's Irish Soda Bread is a hearty, slightly sweet bread with raisins, perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a comforting accompaniment to meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add all dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Blend in margarine with a pastry blender.
- Add beaten eggs, milk, sour cream, and raisins, then knead with hands until combined.
- Form the dough into a ball.
- Place the dough in a dry layer cake pan and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 1 hour at 300°F (150°C).
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the milk with buttermilk or yogurt. You can also add spices like caraway seeds or a touch of cinnamon for extra depth. If you don't have margarine, butter works wonderfully too. Knead the dough just until combined to keep the bread tender; over-kneading can lead to a dense texture.
Serving Suggestions
Mom's Irish Soda Bread is delightful served warm with butter or jam. It pairs beautifully with a hearty soup or stew, making it a perfect side for a cozy meal. You can also enjoy it with a cup of tea for a comforting afternoon snack. For a twist, try it alongside a bowl of Berry Kissel for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the soda bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Irish Soda Bread contains roughly 353 calories, with 5g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1950mg per serving (85% 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 half of the all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. However, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
What can I add to the dough for more flavor?
Consider adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or spices like nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough. You can also mix in seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for added texture and nutrition.
How do I know when the soda bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean if the bread is fully baked.
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).