Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread is a beloved staple in many homes, renowned for its moist, tender crumb and delightful flavor. This version, shared by my mother, Agnes Walters, features sour cream, which enhances its texture and keeps it fresh for days.

With a simple list of ingredients, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a deliciously soft loaf, perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack. The addition of raisins gives it a sweet, fruity note that pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea.

Baking this Irish soda bread is a breeze, requiring only a few steps. In just an hour, you’ll have a golden-brown, fragrant loaf to enjoy with your family or guests.

Irish Soda Bread Ingredients

Flour: The foundation of this bread, providing structure and a soft, hearty texture.

Sour Cream: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring the bread stays tender and fresh for days.

Raisins: Sweet pockets of flavor, offering a subtle contrast to the bread’s savory undertones.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, contributing to the loaf’s light, airy crumb.

Irish Soda Bread: Recipe Tips

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter
   When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Stir until just combined to prevent the bread from becoming dense. Overmixing can activate the gluten too much, making the bread heavier than intended. A few lumps in the batter are completely fine.
2. Use Fresh Baking Powder and Baking Soda
   For the best rise and texture, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. These leavening agents lose their effectiveness over time, which could lead to a denser loaf. Always check their expiration date before use.
3. Adjust Raisins to Taste
   While raisins add a sweet touch, feel free to adjust the amount based on personal preference. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the raisins, or experiment with different dried fruits such as cranberries or currants for variety.

What to Serve with Irish Soda Bread

1. Butter and Jam
   Irish soda bread is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a pat of butter and your favorite jam or marmalade. The richness of the butter complements the slightly tangy flavor of the sour cream, while the sweetness of the jam contrasts perfectly with the savory bread.
2. Cheese and Cold Cuts
   For a more savory serving, enjoy a slice of Irish soda bread with a selection of creamy cheeses, such as cheddar or brie, and some thinly sliced cold cuts like ham or salami. This makes for a delightful light lunch or appetizer.
3. A Hot Cup of Tea
   A warm cup of Irish breakfast tea is the perfect drink to pair with this bread. The robust flavor of the tea enhances the bread’s texture and helps balance out the sweetness from the raisins, creating a cozy, satisfying snack or breakfast.

FAQ: Irish Soda Bread

1. Can I make this recipe without raisins?
   Yes! If you’re not a fan of raisins or want a more savory version, you can omit them entirely or substitute them with other dried fruits like cranberries or currants.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
   You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but note that it will affect the texture and flavor of the bread. The loaf may be denser and have a more robust, nutty taste.
3. Why is my Irish soda bread dense?
   A dense loaf can occur if the batter is overmixed or if the baking soda and baking powder are no longer effective. Be sure to mix the batter just until combined and use fresh leavening agents for the best results.
4. How should I store Irish soda bread?
   Store your Irish soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for several days, thanks to the sour cream, which helps retain moisture. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months.

Irish Soda Bread

This traditional Irish soda bread recipe, passed down from my mother, Agnes Walters, incorporates sour cream for a rich, moist texture. The result is a delightful loaf that retains its freshness for several days.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 6 People

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 pint sour cream
• 1 cup raisins
• 3 large eggs

Instructions

 

• Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans to prevent sticking.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly.
• Add the sour cream, raisins, and eggs to the bowl, mixing gently until all ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops to ensure an even bake.
• Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.
• Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving.

Keyword Irish Soda Bread