Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – No yeast or rising time required.
- Rich flavor – A blend of sweet raisins and aromatic caraway seeds.
- Moist texture – Thanks to buttermilk and sour cream.
- Perfect for any time – Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or with a cup of tea.
- Traditional with a twist – Classic Irish soda bread with a flavorful boost.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- White sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Raisins
- Caraway seeds
- Large eggs
- Buttermilk
- Sour cream
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cast iron skillet or a 9-inch round baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix flour (reserving 1 tablespoon), sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, raisins, and caraway seeds.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and sour cream. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir until just moistened.
- Knead the dough in the bowl for 10 to 12 strokes. The dough will be sticky.
- Place the dough into the prepared skillet or pan and pat it down. Cut a 4-inch long, ¾-inch deep slit in the top. Dust with the reserved flour.
- Bake for 65 to 75 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool, then transfer it to a wire rack before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Additional Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Crunch – Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Zesty Twist – Mix in some orange or lemon zest for a citrusy touch.
- Less Sweet – Reduce the sugar slightly for a more savory bread.
- Whole Wheat Version – Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Spiced Flavor – Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to a week.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm slices in a toaster or oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
FAQs
How do I know when my Irish soda bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 ¼ cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Can I leave out the caraway seeds?
Absolutely! They add a distinct flavor, but the bread will still be delicious without them.
Why is my bread dense?
Overmixing can lead to a denser bread. Stir until just combined for the best texture.
Can I make this bread without raisins?
Yes, feel free to omit the raisins or replace them with dried cranberries or currants.
What can I serve with this bread?
Enjoy it with butter, jam, or even alongside soups and stews.
Can I use a different pan?
Yes, if you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a cake pan or loaf pan will work fine.
How do I prevent my bread from drying out?
Store it in an airtight container and warm it before serving if needed.
Can I make mini soda breads?
Yes, divide the dough into smaller portions and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Conclusion
This Irish soda bread with caraway seeds is a delightful, easy-to-make treat that pairs well with butter, jam, or even savory dishes. With its moist texture and rich flavor, it’s perfect for breakfast, teatime, or a cozy snack. Try out different variations to make it your own!
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Irish Soda Bread with Caraway Seeds
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Irish soda bread with caraway seeds is a classic no-yeast bread that’s quick to make and full of flavor. The combination of sweet raisins and aromatic caraway seeds creates a unique taste, while buttermilk and sour cream ensure a tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or teatime, this easy homemade bread pairs beautifully with butter or jam.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus 1 tbsp reserved)
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup raisins
- 2 tbsp caraway seeds
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cast iron skillet or baking pan.
2️⃣ Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour (reserving 1 tbsp), sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, raisins, and caraway seeds.
3️⃣ Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and sour cream.
4️⃣ Combine & knead: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just moistened. Knead 10-12 times (dough will be sticky).
5️⃣ Shape & score: Transfer dough to the prepared skillet/pan, pat it down, and cut a 4-inch long, ¾-inch deep slit on top. Dust with the reserved flour.
6️⃣ Bake for 65-75 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
7️⃣ Cool & serve: Let the bread cool slightly before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Nutty Crunch – Add chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Zesty Twist – Stir in orange or lemon zest.
- Less Sweet – Reduce sugar for a more savory version.
- Whole Wheat Version – Swap half the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Spiced Flavor – Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
