This Irish Soda Bread With Raisins is a simple, quick bread that is perfect for any occasion. It has a slightly sweet flavor from the raisins and a hearty texture that makes it great for breakfast, as a snack, or served alongside soups and stews.
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Irish bread recipe
- It's incredibly easy to make with no yeast or special equipment required.
- The combination of buttermilk and baking soda gives it a deliciously tender crumb and subtle tangy flavor.
- The raisins provide bursts of sweetness, making it great to serve with a meal or even as a snack.
Another great thing about this homemade Irish soda bread recipe is that you don't need any special skills, even if you've never made homemade bread before, you can make this recipe.
Ingredients you'll need
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
📋 Ingredient Notes / Variations
- Raisins - Raisins add a burst of sweetness to this soda bread.
- Cold water - Cold water will help plump up the raisins so that they are not tough.
- All-purpose flour - Make sure that you use the spoon and measure method instead of scooping the flour.
- Granulated sugar - White sugar adds a touch of sweetness to this homemade bread.
- Baking soda - This adds a nice and fluffy rise to your bread. It needs an acidic such as lemon juice or buttermilk to activate.
- Baking powder - similar to baking soda, but it already contains an acidic ingredient so it can be used on its own without the need for additional acid.
- Fine sea salt - Sea salt will add flavor to the bread.
- Unsalted butter - Unsalted butter is preferred in baking because the amount of salt can vary between brands.
- Buttermilk - This adds moisture and a nice tangy flavor to baked bread.
- Egg - You will need one large egg to act as a binder for your bread.
Adaptable recipe – make it your own!
- You can also add caraway seeds, fennel seeds, or other spices to give the bread a unique flavor.
- Add in grated cheese like cheddar, parmesan, or Gouda for a cheesy twist.
- Swap out the raisins for golden raisins, dried apricots, chocolate chips, or cranberries.
- Try using dried cherries and dust the top with powdered sugar.
- Citrus flavors also do well in this homemade bread recipe, so feel free to add some lemon zest or orange zest to the dough.
🥣 Before you begin: essential tools
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- Small bowl
- Large bowl
- Parchment paper
- Non-slip pastry mat
- 10” Cast iron skillet or Dutch oven
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Step by step: instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- In a small bowl add the raisins and water and set aside, allowing the raisins to soak.
- In a large bowl, add 4 cups of flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk lightly to mix together. Cut the stick of butter into small cubes. Using a gloved hand or pastry cutter, press the butter cubes into the flour mixture.
- Add one egg and the buttermilk. Mix with a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overwork the dough. Mix in the drained raisins, making sure they are evenly distributed.
- Dump dough onto a floured surface. Knead the dough until it becomes less sticky and shape it into an 8” round. Carefully lift the dough round and place it on top of the parchment paper in your cast-iron skillet. Cut about a 1” depth X in the top of the dough. Bake in your preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes as directed below.
💬 Your questions answered: FAQs
Irish soda bread has a mild, tangy flavor from the buttermilk. It's subtly sweet, and the golden crust provides a satisfying crunch.
No, Irish soda bread and sourdough are not the same. Irish soda bread is leavened with baking soda and buttermilk, whereas sourdough relies on a fermented starter made from flour and water for leavening.
To tell when your Irish soda bread is finished baking, look for a golden-brown crust. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with only a few coarse crumbs, the bread is ready. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the bread dry.
A baking sheet with parchment paper or you can use non-stick spray on the pan before you place the bread dough on it. You could also use a dutch oven.
It’s all a matter of preference. You can slice long thin slices or cut it into quarters and cut slices in the smaller sections. You could also cut it into wedges
My notes
- It's important that you use cold butter so that you get a moist crumb on this traditional Irish soda bread.
- Even though you are using cold, unsalted butter, you also want to use a room temperature egg. So, allow the egg to come to room temp on the counter for about 30 minutes before making this bread.
- Once you add the egg to the bread dough, make sure that you switch to using a spoon and only mixing enough to combine so that you don't add extra air to the dough.
- When you are making the deep cross on top of the loaf, I recommend that you use a serrated knife so that you get the best results.
- Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before you use a sharp knife to slice it. Slicing too early would result in a gummy texture.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate - Store the Irish soda bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. It can last up to 3-4 days.
Freeze - To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last up to 2-3 months.
Reheat - To reheat, thaw the bread if frozen and then warm it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. You can also slice and toast individual pieces in a toaster or toaster oven.
Make ahead
One great thing about this easy soda bread recipe is that you can make the dough ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for busy mornings or when you want fresh bread for dinner but don't have a lot of time to prepare. Just cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and then bake, as directed, when ready.
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
Serve this easy Irish soda bread recipe alongside your favorite meals. We like to pair it with hearty soups and stews such as Instant Pot Chicken and Potato Soup, Instant Pot Barley Soup, or Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup.
Check these bread recipes
Do you love making your own homemade bread?
We love sweet bread, and it makes for an excellent grab-n-go breakfast or treat. One kiddo requested the Irish bread with chocolate chips. So that’s what I did! I made yet another one and this time we skipped soaking the raisins and just added in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. It was amazingly good!
We also tried doing half whole wheat and half all purpose and it came out very well, except the bread is now brown instead of white. It has a delicious flavor and chewy texture.
I hope you enjoy this crusty bread recipe as much as we do. This really is one of those recipes that you’ll make once and cherish forever!
Irish Soda Bread with Raisins
Ingredients
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup cold water
- 4 cups + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour divided, used scoop and level method
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 stick unsalted butter chilled
- 1 ⅔ buttermilk
- 1 large egg room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lay two pieces of parchment paper criss-crossed in a 10 to 12” cast iron skillet or baking sheet and set aside.
- In a small bowl add the raisins and water and set aside, allowing the raisins to soak.
- In a large bowl add in 4 cups of flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Whisk lightly to mix together.
- Cut the stick of butter into small cubes.
- Using a gloved hand or pastry cutter press the butter cubes into the flour mixture. It does not have to be completely mixed in as the butter will melt when baked and create the most delicious flavor.
- In the same bowl as the flour, add in one egg and the buttermilk.
- Mix until combined with a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overwork the dough. The dough will come together with only just a few mixes, you’ll know it’s done when all the flour is mixed in. Dough will be sticky.
- Drain the water from the raisins and discard. Mix the raisins into the dough being sure they are evenly distributed.
- Dump dough onto a floured surface, I like to use a vinyl pastry mat. Knead the dough until it becomes less sticky and shape it into an 8” round.
- Carefully lift the dough round and place on top of the parchment paper in your cast-iron skillet.
- Cut about a 1” depth X in the top of the dough.
- Bake in your oven for about 45-50 minutes in a preheated oven. Irish soda bread will be done when the top looks golden brown, crispy on the sides and set in the middle. Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread, if it comes out clean, the bread is done. If not, put back in for 5 minute increments until set.
- When done, use the sides of the parchment paper to lift the bread out of the skillet to cool for about 20 minutes.
- Slice and serve with your favorite topping such as butter, jelly or honey or just as it is.
Notes
- After adding the eggs, use a wooden spoon, not a whisk as we don’t want too much air added to the eggs.
- You can choose to skip the raisins, if you prefer. If you do this, also skip the cup of water.
- Don’t skip soaking the raisins, it helps to plump them up and makes them juicy when cooked in the bread.
Nutrition
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Phyllis
I have made this bread before and I know it is delicious. I would like to know if I can make this in bread pans. I have a few people I want to give it to for Easter. Thank you.