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Cozy Irish Soda Bread Recipe with Raisins and Caraway Seeds Made Easy

Irish soda bread recipe - featured image

A quick and easy Irish soda bread with raisins and caraway seeds, delivering a crusty, golden loaf with a tender crumb and a hint of sweetness and earthiness. Perfect for cozy mornings or snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
  • 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
  • 3/4 cup (110g) raisins
  • 1 3/4 cups (420ml) buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your baking sheet or cast iron skillet inside to heat up as the oven warms.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and caraway seeds until evenly combined.
  3. Add the raisins to the dry mix and toss lightly to distribute them evenly. Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes beforehand if dry, then drain well.
  4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk and melted butter. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a rough round loaf about 7 inches (18cm) in diameter. Fold a few times to bring it together; do not knead.
  6. Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross on top of the loaf to help it bake evenly.
  7. Carefully transfer the dough onto the preheated baking sheet or skillet. Use parchment paper if desired for easier handling.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Tent with foil halfway through if browning too fast.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

The dough will be sticky; avoid adding too much flour to prevent dry bread. Score a deep but gentle cross on top for proper expansion. Preheat the baking surface for a crisp crust. Let bread cool at least 30 minutes before slicing to avoid gummy texture. Baking soda freshness is crucial for good rise.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish soda bread, soda bread with raisins, caraway seeds bread, quick bread, easy Irish bread, no yeast bread