Died and Gone to Heaven Irish Soda Bread
🕒 Prep Time: 45 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 1 hour
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
🥖 Yield: 1 loaf
Description: This Irish Soda Bread is a divine departure from the traditional version; it’s dense, nutty, and boasts a delightful buttermilk flavor. Perfect for special occasions like Christmas morning or St. Patrick’s Day, this recipe is an adaptation from “The Bread Book” by Ellen Foscue Johnson.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Raisins |
| 4 cups | All-purpose flour |
| 2 tsp | Baking powder |
| 1 tsp | Baking soda |
| 1/2 tsp | Salt |
| 12 tbsp | Butter |
| 1 | Egg |
| 1/2 cup | Honey |
| 1 cup | Buttermilk |
| 1 cup | Walnuts |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 4932
- Fat: 227.2g
- Saturated Fat: 98.5g
- Cholesterol: 587.7mg
- Sodium: 4491.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 666.5g
- Fiber: 27.1g
- Sugar: 241.7g
- Protein: 90.3g
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the raisins in a bowl and cover them with boiling water to plump them up.
- Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
- Cut the butter into small pieces and add them to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In another bowl, beat the egg until it becomes frothy.
- Blend in the honey until it is thoroughly combined, then add the buttermilk to the egg mixture.
- Drain the raisins well and add them along with the walnuts to the flour mixture. Toss everything together until the raisins and walnuts are evenly distributed.
- Gradually pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, and use a large metal spoon to gently mix until everything is just moistened. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be heavy and moist, with a rough and lumpy texture.
- Grease a heavy loaf pan (a large cast iron frying pan also works well for this recipe).
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan in clumps, leaving the top surface lumpy.
- Bake for about an hour, or until the middle of the bread is set. If using a frying pan, the baking time may be shorter, so keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
- Once baked, allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your heavenly Irish Soda Bread!
This recipe is a delightful twist on the classic soda bread, with the addition of plump raisins and crunchy walnuts adding bursts of flavor and texture to every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a cozy breakfast treat, this Died and Gone to Heaven Irish Soda Bread is sure to delight your taste buds and become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
