Name: Irish Soda Bread with Raisins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-497232H32M15S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting the work surface); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 1/4 cups raisins; 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces; 1 3/4 cups buttermilk; 1 egg; cooking spray (for greasing the pan)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

If you’re craving a loaf that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Irish Soda Bread with Raisins Recipe is just the ticket. Picture a golden crust giving way to a tender, slightly sweet crumb, dotted with plump raisins that add bursts of juicy flavor in every bite. This bread is not only incredibly comforting but also surprisingly straightforward to make, perfect for family breakfasts, teatime treats, or anytime you want something truly special on the table. Its rustic charm and rich flavor have made it a cherished staple, and once you try this Irish Soda Bread with Raisins Recipe, I guarantee it’ll become one of your favorites too!

Ingredients You'll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with two visible layers: a base layer of white flour with a fine, powdery texture, and a generous pile of dark brown raisins resting on top in the center, their wrinkled and shiny texture contrasting with the smooth flour around. The raisins are clustered tightly, and the flour forms a thick ring around them with slightly uneven edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the foundation of this classic Irish Soda Bread with Raisins Recipe. Each component is simple but powerful, working in harmony to create that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this bread so memorable.

4 cups all purpose flour: The base of the bread that provides structure; be sure to have extra for dusting to prevent sticking.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to complement the raisins and balance the bread’s flavors.
1 teaspoon baking soda: The key leavening agent that gives the bread its tender crumb and quick rise.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
1 ¼ cups raisins: The star addition that adds chewy, sweet bursts throughout the bread.
¼ cup butter (cold, cut into small pieces): Keeps the bread moist and contributes to a tender texture with a hint of richness.
1 ¾ cups buttermilk: Provides moisture and acidity to react with the baking soda for that classic soda bread rise.
1 egg: Helps bind the dough and lends a bit of richness and color to the crust.
Cooking spray: For coating the baking pan to ensure your loaf releases easily and develops a beautiful crust.

How to Make Irish Soda Bread with Raisins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your baking pan and preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is just right to bake the bread evenly, achieving a golden crust without drying out the inside. Lightly coat a 9-inch round pan with cooking spray so your bread lifts out effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stirring these ingredients together ensures an even distribution of the leavening and seasoning that will give your bread consistent flavor and texture.

Step 3: Cut in the butter

Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture, and use a pastry blender or two forks to cut it in until you get coarse crumbs. This process is essential for creating a tender crumb and slightly flaky texture, since those little butter pockets melt during baking.

Step 4: Incorporate the raisins

Stir the raisins into the flour and butter mixture so they’re evenly scattered throughout, guaranteeing that every slice has a deliciously chewy, sweet surprise.

Step 5: Add buttermilk and egg

Pour in the buttermilk and crack in the egg, stirring gently but thoroughly until a stiff dough forms. The buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to help your bread rise without yeast, while the egg binds the ingredients, making the dough manageable and rich.

Step 6: Shape the dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and dust your hands with flour as well—you'll find the dough sticky but manageable this way. Shape it into a smooth ball, which will bake into the perfect round loaf.

Step 7: Score and bake

Transfer the dough ball to your prepared pan. Using a sharp knife, cut an X across the top of the loaf. This classic scoring lets steam escape during baking and helps the bread cook evenly. Pop it in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes until the surface turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted at the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool before slicing

Once baked, let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. This cooling step helps the interior set properly so you get clean, beautiful slices without crumbling.

How to Serve Irish Soda Bread with Raisins Recipe

The image shows a round loaf of bread with a golden-brown crust and light flour dusted on top, sitting inside a dark cast iron pan. The bread has a cracked surface, displaying a soft, slightly crumbly texture inside with dark raisins scattered evenly throughout. The crust is uneven with some parts puffed up, showing a rustic, homemade style. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a folded blue and white striped cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a simple yet delightful finish, spread softened butter right on your slices while the bread is still slightly warm. A drizzle of honey or a light spread of cream cheese can elevate the sweet and tangy notes of the raisins to new heights.

Side Dishes

This Irish Soda Bread with Raisins Recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty stews or soups, offering a soft, comforting companion to dishes like Irish beef stew or creamy potato leek soup. Breakfast lovers will find it equally rewarding served alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut the bread into chunky cubes and toast them lightly to create rustic croutons for salads or soups. Alternatively, serve slices topped with sharp cheddar and a slice of apple for a truly Irish-inspired snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Irish Soda Bread with Raisins Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to two days to keep it moist and fresh. Avoid refrigeration unless your kitchen is very humid, as that can dry out the bread.

Freezing

If you want to keep your bread longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It’ll keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to fresh-from-the-oven warmth, slice it and toast each piece lightly or warm whole slices in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This will revive the crust’s crunch and soften the interior beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use another type of dried fruit instead of raisins?

Absolutely! Dried currants, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots all make delicious substitutes that add their own unique flavor twist to this Irish Soda Bread with Raisins Recipe.

Do I need buttermilk, or can I use regular milk?

Buttermilk is important here because its acidity reacts with the baking soda to make the bread rise properly. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 ¾ cups of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

What makes this bread a "soda bread"?

The term "soda bread" comes from the use of baking soda as the leavening agent instead of yeast. This allows the bread to rise quickly, which is perfect for a no-fuss recipe with a tender crumb.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

While traditional Irish Soda Bread relies on wheat flour, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking. Keep in mind you might need to adjust the liquid amounts slightly to get the right dough consistency.

Why is there an "X" cut on the top of the bread?

The X helps the heat penetrate the dough evenly during baking, allowing steam to escape and helping the loaf expand properly. It also creates the iconic look of Irish soda bread that’s instantly recognizable.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Irish Soda Bread with Raisins Recipe a try because it’s one of those comforting, soul-satisfying breads that feels like home in every bite. It’s wonderfully simple, and every step invites you to slow down and enjoy the magic of baking. Whether you share it with loved ones or savor a quiet slice yourself, this bread is sure to bring a bit of warmth and joy to your table.