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Easy Irish Soda Bread with Raisins

easy Irish soda bread with raisins - featured image

A quick and easy Irish soda bread recipe with raisins that delivers a rustic, tender loaf perfect for cozy breakfasts or snacks. This yeast-free bread is forgiving, delicious, and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1¾ cups (420ml) buttermilk
  • ¾ cup (110g) raisins
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional, for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a cast iron skillet.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
  3. Stir in the raisins, coating them lightly with flour to prevent sinking during baking.
  4. Slowly add the buttermilk to the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. The dough will be sticky and shaggy; do not overmix.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf about 8 inches (20cm) in diameter. Do not knead.
  6. Transfer the loaf to the prepared baking sheet or skillet. Score a deep ‘X’ about ½ inch (1.3cm) deep on top of the dough with a sharp knife.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should be about 200°F (93°C).
  8. Optional: Brush the top with melted butter immediately after removing from the oven for a shiny crust.
  9. Cool the bread completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to keep the bread tender. Coat raisins in flour to prevent sinking. Use fresh baking soda for best rise. If bread browns too fast, tent with foil halfway through baking. Let bread cool completely before slicing to avoid gummy texture. For dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with plant-based milk plus lemon juice. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish soda bread, soda bread with raisins, easy bread recipe, quick bread, homemade bread, no yeast bread, traditional Irish bread