Description
These Irish Soda Bread Muffins are a quick and easy twist on the classic Irish soda bread. Slightly sweet, tender, and studded with currants, they make the perfect addition to breakfast, brunch, or a snack. Whether for St. Patrick’s Day or any day, these muffins are a festive and flavorful treat!
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup currants
- Coarse sugar (such as Demerara or turbinado), for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and caraway seeds (if using).
Step 3: Incorporate Butter
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until well blended.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Currants
- Gently fold in the currants.
Step 7: Fill Muffin Tin
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
Step 8: Add Sugar Topping
- Sprinkle a small amount of coarse sugar on top of each muffin.
Step 9: Bake and Cool
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: Substitute currants with raisins or dried cranberries. For an extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Spices: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for additional warmth and flavor.
- Topping Options: A simple streusel topping made from flour, sugar, and butter can be sprinkled on top before baking for added sweetness and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 to 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
