Sheila'S Irish Soda Bread
Irish soda bread with sweet and savory flavors, featuring raisins and caraway seeds, perfect for hearty breakfasts or teatime with a rustic touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cream of tartar.
- Cut 1/4 lb. of margarine into the dry mixture until crumbly.
- Add caraway seeds and raisins to the mixture and stir well.
- Pour in 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk and stir until all ingredients are moistened and dough is formed.
- Grease and flour a heavy pan or a 10-inch cast iron skillet.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and shape it into a round loaf.
- Cut a cross into the top of the dough with a sharp knife.
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- About 30 minutes into baking, rub a stick of margarine over the top and around the sides of the pan for added flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix a cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Caraway seeds can be substituted with fennel seeds for a different taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sheila's Irish Soda Bread warm with a pat of butter or alongside a hearty bowl of vegetable soup for a comforting meal. It also pairs beautifully with Baked Pineapple(Excellent For Diabetics) for a delightful contrast of flavors. Enjoy it as a side at brunch with scrambled eggs or with your favorite preserves.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Irish soda bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in foil or freezer bags. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sheila'S Irish Soda Bread contains roughly 89 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 recipe without sugar?
Yes, you can omit the sugar entirely for a more traditional bread taste. Alternatively, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie option, keeping in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you prefer not to use raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots make great substitutes. For a savory twist, you could even add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes, depending on your flavor preference.
How do I know when the 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 check the internal temperature; it should reach about 190°F (88°C). If you’re unsure, inserting a toothpick into the center should come out clean.
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).