Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this traditional Irish soda bread recipe that is both easy to prepare and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¾ cups raisins or currants (optional)
- ⅔ cup Irish whiskey (such as Jameson), or apple juice or white grape juice (optional)
- 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs + 2 yolks (use extra whites for omelette or scrambled eggs)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (divided)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (optional, granulated sugar may be substituted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a nonstick baking sheet with cooking spray; alternatively, use a 9-inch cast iron skillet. Preheat the skillet as well.
- If soaking the raisins, pour the soaking liquid over them and let stand.
- In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, yolks, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, and granulated sugar.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If using raisins, drain them and fold into the dough gently.
- Turn the dough out onto the prepared baking sheet or greased skillet, shaping it into a round loaf.
- Score the top of the dough with a large X, cutting about ½ inch deep.
- Brush with remaining melted butter and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, checking occasionally for doneness.
- Allow bread to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Fresh bread is best; can be stored airtight at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Baking times may vary based on oven and climate; check early to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 48mg