Raisin Caraway Soda Bread
A hearty Irish-inspired soda bread studded with raisins and flavored with caraway seeds, perfect for breakfast or accompaniments, offering a slightly sweet, nutty, and aromatic profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Add caraway seed to the dry ingredients.
- Mix everything together.
- Cut in butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Stir in golden raisins.
- In a small bowl, combine eggs and buttermilk.
- Add baking soda to the egg and buttermilk mixture and stir; it will bubble.
- Quickly stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
- Turn out the dough onto a floured board and knead for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth.
- Form the dough into a flat circle about 1 1/2 inches high.
- Place the circle on a greased baking sheet.
- Use a floured knife to cut a deep cross almost side to side on the dough.
- Brush the top with beaten egg yolk.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 35 minutes.
- Test the bread with a toothpick; it should sound hollow when tapped.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. You can substitute the golden raisins with currants or dried cranberries if desired. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients well to avoid lumps. If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar to 3/4 cup. For a more aromatic touch, add a teaspoon of fennel seeds along with the caraway.
Serving Suggestions
This raisin caraway soda bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or as a side to a hearty soup. It pairs beautifully with Tarragon Peas for a fresh contrast. For a complete meal, serve alongside a cheese platter featuring Brie And Herb Cheeses In Pastry or your favorite charcuterie. Enjoy it sliced with a cup of tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore its crusty exterior.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisin Caraway Soda Bread contains roughly 510 calories, with 7g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1620mg per serving (70% 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 make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking. This can enhance the flavors as the ingredients meld together.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Avoid adding too much flour, as it can make the bread dense. Lightly flour your hands and the work surface to help with kneading.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, if you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 1/3 cups of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle before using it in the recipe.
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).