Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Irish soda bread offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, with the optional addition of caraway seeds providing a subtle, aromatic flavor. Its quick preparation and baking time make it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether enjoyed warm with butter or as a side to your favorite dishes, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- ½ cup butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup currants
- 2 teaspoons caraway seeds (optional)
- ¾ cup milk
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease two baking sheets.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix until evenly blended.
- Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
- Stir in the raisins, currants, and caraway seeds, if using.
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk and apple cider vinegar. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead gently 8 to 10 times.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and place them onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking until the tops are golden brown, about 15 minutes more.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup and filling it with milk to make ¾ cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Add-ins: Customize your bread by adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, the bread may be denser and have a nuttier flavor.
2. Is it necessary to use caraway seeds?
No, caraway seeds are optional. They add a distinctive flavor, but the bread is delicious without them.
3. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk. To mimic buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
4. How can I make the bread sweeter?
Increase the amount of sugar to 4 tablespoons for a sweeter taste.
5. Can I add nuts to the bread?
Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can enhance the flavor and texture of the bread.
6. How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread should have a golden brown crust. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
7. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the bread a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
8. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
9. Can I use dried apricots instead of raisins and currants?
Yes, dried apricots can be used as a substitute. Chop them into small pieces before adding to the dough.
10. Can I bake this bread in a loaf pan?
Yes, you can bake the dough in a greased loaf pan. Adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Conclusion
Nana Dot’s Irish Soda Bread is a timeless recipe that brings a touch of Irish tradition to your kitchen. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it a delightful addition to any meal. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with butter, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.
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Nana Dot’s Irish Soda Bread
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Nana Dot’s Irish Soda Bread is a traditional, easy-to-make bread with a slightly sweet flavor and a dense, tender crumb. Perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers, this recipe includes raisins, currants, and optional caraway seeds for added flavor. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s the ideal choice for a quick and delicious bread that pairs wonderfully with any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- ½ cup butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup currants
- 2 teaspoons caraway seeds (optional)
- ¾ cup milk
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease two baking sheets.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
- Stir in raisins, currants, and caraway seeds.
- In a separate bowl, combine milk and apple cider vinegar. Pour into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently 8–10 times.
- Divide dough into two equal portions and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 15 minutes, until golden brown.
Notes
- You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but expect a denser texture.
- For a sweeter bread, increase sugar to 4 tablespoons.
- Add nuts or dried cranberries for extra flavor.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
