Yeast-Raised Irish Soda Bread
A hearty Irish soda bread made with yeast, raisins, and buttermilk, offering a slightly sweet, yeasty flavor perfect for breakfast or teatime with butter or jam.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set aside 1 cup of flour. In a large bowl, mix remaining flour, undissolved yeast, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
- Heat water, buttermilk, and butter until hot to touch, about 125° to 130°F.
- Add the hot liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and stir.
- Mix raisins and enough reserved flour to make a soft dough.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- Knead the dough 10 times on a lightly floured surface.
- Form the dough into a 5 to 6-inch diameter ball and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Sprinkle the dough lightly with 1 tablespoon of flour.
- With a sharp knife, cut a 1/8 inch deep cross in the top of the dough.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until done.
- Remove from the baking sheet and cool on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your water and buttermilk are at the proper temperature of 105 to 115°F before mixing. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. When kneading, avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender. For a twist, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
This yeast-raised Irish soda bread is delicious served warm with butter or jam. It pairs beautifully with a bowl of stew or soup, making it a perfect accompaniment to hearty meals. For a sweet treat, enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee, and consider serving it with a side of Marvelous Fruit Medley for a fresh contrast.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled soda bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yeast-Raised Irish Soda Bread contains roughly 174 calories, with 8g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), and potassium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2565mg per serving (112% 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 active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast in this recipe. Just dissolve it in the warm water before combining with the dry ingredients. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, which indicates that the yeast is active.
What can I substitute for raisins in this recipe?
If you're not a fan of raisins, you can substitute them with other dried fruits like currants, cranberries, or chopped apricots. Each will add a different flavor profile, so choose based on your preference.
Why did my bread not rise properly?
Several factors can affect rising. Make sure your yeast is fresh, and check that your liquid ingredients are at the correct temperature. Also, ensure the dough is kept in a warm, draft-free area during the rising period to promote proper fermentation.
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).