Sweet Irish Bread
A moist, sweet Irish bread infused with caraway seeds and golden raisins, perfect for breakfast or tea, offering a delightful blend of traditional flavors and comforting aroma.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an angel food cake pan; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, sugar, and softened butter until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and caraway seed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the golden raisins gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before removing from the pan and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring. You can substitute half of the buttermilk with yogurt for a tangy flavor. If you don't have caraway seeds, try using fennel seeds instead. This bread is best made the day before to enhance the flavors. Remember, don't overmix once you add the dry ingredients to keep it tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Sweet Irish Bread warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a spread of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a delightful afternoon snack. For a festive touch, serve alongside a fruit salad or with a dollop of Berry Dip for added sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Sweet Irish Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. To reheat, place slices in a toaster or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Irish Bread contains roughly 473 calories, with 7g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value) and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1288mg per serving (56% 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 regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk, but it’s best to add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the acidity of buttermilk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This will help the baking soda work effectively and maintain the bread's texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Sweet Irish Bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add about 1/2 teaspoon to help with the structure. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious!
What can I use instead of golden raisins?
If you don't have golden raisins, you can substitute them with regular raisins or dried cranberries for a different flavor. Chopped dried apricots or figs can also be a delicious alternative, adding a unique twist to this traditional bread.
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).