Irish Soda Bread Raisins Caraway (Print version)
Tender, sweet Irish quick bread featuring juicy raisins and aromatic caraway seeds. Ideal with butter or a cup of tea.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
→ Fruit
06 - 1 1/2 cups raisins
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
08 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
09 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and caraway seeds.
03 - Stir in the raisins, ensuring they are well coated with the flour mixture.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
05 - Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula just until a shaggy dough forms; do not overmix.
06 - Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 6–8 times, just until it holds together.
07 - Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared pan. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep X across the top.
08 - Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
09 - Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's shockingly quick to pull together, meaning warm bread can be on your table in under an hour with minimal fuss.
- The tender crumb and subtle sweetness, punctuated by juicy raisins and that intriguing hint of caraway, make every bite a comforting experience.
02 -
- Overmixing this dough is the quickest way to end up with a dense, tough loaf, so really heed that "just until combined" advice.
- Using full-fat buttermilk makes a noticeable difference in the bread's richness and moisture content compared to lower-fat versions.
03 -
- For an extra golden-brown top, brush the loaf with a little buttermilk or melted butter just before baking.
- If your raisins feel a bit dry, soak them in warm water or even a splash of orange juice for 10 minutes, then drain thoroughly before adding to the dough. This makes them extra plump and juicy.