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Irish Soda Bread with Raisins Recipe

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3.9 from 2 reviews

This Irish soda bread recipe yields a light and tender quick bread loaf packed with juicy raisins and baked to a golden brown perfection. Easy and quick to prepare, this bread offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an excellent accompaniment to hearty meals like chicken stew or slow-roasted prime rib. The bread is traditionally baked in a 9-inch round pan, resulting in a rustic, comforting loaf with a crisp crust and soft interior.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Dry 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

Other Ingredients

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat a 9-inch round pan with cooking spray to prevent the bread from sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir these ingredients together until evenly mixed.
  3. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, diced butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring small bits of butter remain throughout.
  4. Add Raisins: Stir the raisins into the crumbly flour and butter mixture, distributing them evenly.
  5. Form Dough: In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk and egg. Pour this wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until a stiff dough forms. The dough will be sticky but manageable.
  6. Shape Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Dust your hands with flour and gently shape the dough into a ball, being careful not to overwork it.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Place the shaped dough ball into the prepared 9-inch round pan. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut an 'X' into the top of the loaf to allow steam to escape during baking.
  8. Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is cold when incorporating it into the flour mixture to achieve a tender crumb.
  • Cutting an 'X' on top of the dough helps the bread expand properly and adds a traditional finishing touch.
  • Buttermilk can be substituted with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if unavailable.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend, but texture and rise might vary.
  • Raisins can be substituted with currants or dried cranberries according to preference.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Irish
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/irish-soda-bread-with-raisins-recipe/