Mother'S Irish Bread
A traditional Irish bread infused with raisins and caraway seeds, offering a slightly sweet, aromatic flavor perfect for breakfast or teatime enjoyment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine butter or margarine, flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, milk, raisins, egg, and caraway seeds in order of listing.
- Mix until ingredients are well combined.
- Grease and flour an iron frying pan, then pour the batter into it.
- Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 10 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking until the bread is done.
- Remove from oven and brush the top with milk to keep it soft.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using buttermilk instead of regular milk, which can enhance the bread's moisture and tang. If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar to 1 1/4 cups. For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans. Don't forget to check the bread for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mother’s Irish Bread warm, sliced, and spread with butter or cream cheese for a delightful breakfast or snack. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a heartier meal, try it alongside a bowl of vegetable soup or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy it with jam or honey for an added touch of sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight container for up to three months. To reheat, simply place slices in a toaster or warm them in the oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Irish Bread contains roughly 473 calories, with 8g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1083mg per serving (47% 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 different dried fruits instead of raisins?
Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries, currants, or even chopped dried apricots. Each will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the bread. Just be sure to keep the quantity similar to maintain the right balance in the recipe.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps with the bread's structure. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the desired batter consistency.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the bread is ready. It should also have a golden-brown crust and a slight spring when gently pressed. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary.
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).