There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked Irish Soda Bread with Raisins filling your kitchen. This traditional Irish bread has a beautifully golden crust, a soft, tender crumb, and bursts of sweet raisins in every bite. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a warm cup of tea.
What makes this bread so special is its simplicity—no yeast required, just basic pantry staples, and a few minutes of hands-on work. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a quick and hearty homemade bread, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Bake it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or alongside a comforting bowl of soup!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 1/2 cups raisins
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a cast iron skillet.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the raisins.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until the dough just comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a cohesive ball.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet or in the skillet.
- Use a sharp knife to score a deep “X” into the top of the dough.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Let cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 230 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
A Traditional and Timeless Recipe
Irish Soda Bread is a simple yet delicious bread that has been enjoyed for generations. With its rustic charm, golden crust, and soft interior, this no-yeast bread is perfect for those who want a quick, homemade loaf without the hassle of proofing and kneading for hours. This particular version—Irish Soda Bread with Raisins—adds a touch of sweetness, making it perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy addition to any meal.
The History of Irish Soda Bread
Irish Soda Bread originated in Ireland in the early 1800s when baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) became available as a leavening agent. Traditional Irish bread was usually made with only four ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. These simple ingredients were readily available to Irish families, many of whom lived in rural areas with limited access to yeast or commercial bread-baking facilities.
Because Ireland’s soft wheat is low in gluten, it was ideal for making quick breads like soda bread rather than yeast-based loaves, which require high-gluten flour. The chemical reaction between baking soda and buttermilk allowed the bread to rise without needing yeast, making it an easy and reliable choice for home bakers.
Over time, variations of Irish Soda Bread emerged, including sweet versions with raisins, currants, and sugar, as well as savory versions with seeds, herbs, or cheese. This recipe, featuring raisins, adds a delightful sweetness that pairs well with butter, jam, or even a drizzle of honey.
Why This Irish Soda Bread Recipe is the Best
There are many soda bread recipes, but this one stands out because:
- Authenticity with a Twist – It stays true to traditional Irish soda bread but includes raisins for a slightly sweet touch.
- No Yeast, No Fuss – This bread is made without yeast, meaning there’s no waiting time for the dough to rise. You can bake it right after mixing!
- Golden Crust & Tender Interior – The combination of butter and buttermilk gives the bread a rich, soft texture with a beautifully crisp crust.
- Perfect Balance of Sweetness – The raisins add a natural sweetness without overpowering the flavor, making it great for breakfast or a snack.
- Versatile & Customizable – You can swap raisins for other dried fruits or add nuts for extra texture.
- Quick & Easy – With just 15 minutes of prep time, this bread is ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers.
The Health Benefits of Irish Soda Bread
Aside from being delicious, Irish Soda Bread with Raisins offers some nutritional benefits:
- No Artificial Ingredients – Unlike store-bought breads with preservatives, this homemade bread contains only natural ingredients.
- Good Source of Fiber – The flour and raisins provide dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you full longer.
- Less Sugar – Unlike traditional sweet breads, this recipe has only a small amount of sugar, making it a healthier choice.
- Calcium Boost – Buttermilk is a great source of calcium, which helps keep bones and teeth strong.
- Lower in Fat – Since this recipe uses just a small amount of butter, it’s lower in fat compared to other baked goods.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Breakfast: Toast slices and serve with butter, jam, or cream cheese.
- Tea Time: Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Savory Pairing: Serve with soups or stews for a rustic Irish meal.
- Dessert Option: Sprinkle with a little powdered sugar for a sweeter treat.
Popular Variations
Want to experiment? Try these tasty twists on the classic recipe:
- Classic Irish Soda Bread (No Raisins) – Skip the raisins for a more traditional taste.
- Honey and Walnut Soda Bread – Add chopped walnuts and a drizzle of honey.
- Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread – Mix in shredded cheddar cheese and fresh herbs for a savory version.
- Cranberry Orange Soda Bread – Replace raisins with dried cranberries and add orange zest.
- Whole Wheat Soda Bread – Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Bread Without Buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 ¾ cups of milk with 1 ½ tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
2. Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose?
Yes, but keep in mind that whole wheat flour makes the bread denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for the best texture.
3. How Long Does Irish Soda Bread Last?
It stays fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
4. Why Do I Need to Score the Dough?
Scoring the top of the dough with an “X” allows the bread to expand evenly while baking and helps prevent cracking.
Final Thoughts
Irish Soda Bread with Raisins is one of the easiest, most rewarding bread recipes you can make at home. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and versatile uses, it’s a must-have recipe for any home baker. Whether you enjoy it warm with butter, alongside a hearty meal, or as a quick snack, this traditional Irish bread will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Irish Soda Bread with Raisins
Irish Soda Bread with Raisins is a beloved classic that perfectly balances simplicity, tradition, and flavor. Its golden crust, tender crumb, and subtle sweetness from the raisins make it a versatile treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether served warm with butter for breakfast, paired with a hearty soup for dinner, or enjoyed with tea in the afternoon, this bread brings comfort and nostalgia in every bite.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its effortless preparation—with no yeast required, it’s an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced bakers. The combination of buttermilk and baking soda creates a perfectly risen loaf with a satisfying texture, while the raisins add just the right touch of natural sweetness. Plus, with endless variations available, you can customize it to suit your taste.
If you’re looking for a quick, homemade bread that delivers in both taste and tradition, this Irish Soda Bread with Raisins is the perfect choice. Bake a loaf today and experience the warmth and simplicity of this time-honored recipe in your own kitchen!