Easy Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Overview:
This Easy Irish Soda Bread recipe may not be strictly traditional, but it’s incredibly simple and yields a wonderfully dense loaf, perfect for toasting and slathering with butter. Baked in a loaf pan, this bread is loaded with plump raisins, making it a delightful treat for breakfast or any time of the day. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread in your kitchen.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 158.5 per serving
- Fat Content: 2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 14.5mg
- Sodium Content: 297.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 32.5g
- Fiber Content: 0.9g
- Sugar Content: 14.4g
- Protein Content: 3.5g
- Servings: 18
- Yield: 1 loaf (five x nine inches)
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 | Buttermilk |
| 2 | Butter |
| 1 | Margarine |
| 1 1/4 | Egg |
| 3 | Raisins |
| 2/3 | Flour |
| 1 | Sugar |
| 1 | Baking Powder |
| 1 | Baking Soda |
| 1 | Salt |
Instructions:
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Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
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Prepare buttermilk mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and raisins. Mix them together until well incorporated, and then set the mixture aside for later use.
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Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients together until evenly distributed.
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Incorporate wet ingredients: Add the prepared buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough loaf.
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Transfer to loaf pan: Spoon the batter into a greased loaf pan, ensuring it’s spread evenly.
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Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Once baked, leave the bread in the pan for 1 minute to cool slightly. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions:
This Easy Irish Soda Bread is best enjoyed when sliced and toasted, with a generous slather of butter. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast or snack. You can also serve it alongside soups or stews for a hearty meal, or simply enjoy it on its own as a delicious treat.
Tips:
- Ensure your buttermilk and melted butter are at room temperature before mixing them with the other ingredients, as this will help prevent the batter from curdling.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins, such as chopped nuts or dried cranberries, for added flavor and texture.
- For a slightly sweeter loaf, you can increase the amount of sugar in the recipe according to your taste preferences.
- Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage. Simply thaw and reheat slices in the toaster or oven before serving.
With its simplicity and delicious flavor, this Easy Irish Soda Bread is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a comforting homemade treat, this bread is bound to impress with its rustic charm and delightful taste.
