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Cozy Irish Soda Bread with Caraway Seeds

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A quick and easy Irish soda bread recipe featuring caraway seeds for a warm, slightly anise flavor. Perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon tea, or comforting snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons caraway seeds
  • 1⅔ cups (400ml) buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease your cast-iron skillet.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons caraway seeds, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar if using.
  3. Make a well in the center of the dry mix and pour in 1⅔ cups (400ml) buttermilk and 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter. Gently mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
  4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a round loaf about 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter and 2 inches (5 cm) thick.
  5. Transfer the loaf to the prepared baking sheet or skillet. Using a sharp knife, score a deep ‘X’ across the top of the dough.
  6. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the bread is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Tent with foil if browning too fast after 20 minutes.
  7. Cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the bread tender. Use fresh baking soda for best rise. Score the dough to help it expand evenly. Let the bread cool fully before slicing to prevent gummy texture. Buttermilk can be substituted with milk plus lemon juice or vinegar. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish soda bread, caraway seeds, quick bread, no yeast bread, easy bread recipe, homemade bread, traditional Irish bread