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Tender Irish Soda Bread Recipe with Buttermilk and Raisins

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A quick and easy Irish soda bread with a tender crumb, tangy buttermilk, and sweet raisins. Perfect for a comforting bread that pairs well with soups and salads.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, cold and diced
  • 1 ¾ cups (420ml) buttermilk
  • ¾ cup (110g) raisins, plump and juicy
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a cast iron skillet, place it in the oven to warm up.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in the cold, diced butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized bits of butter remaining.
  4. Stir in the raisins and brown sugar (if using).
  5. Gradually pour in the buttermilk while stirring gently until the dough just comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky or wet. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat or gently knead it into a round loaf about 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter.
  7. Score a deep cross (about ½ inch / 1.5 cm) into the top of the dough with a sharp knife.
  8. Transfer the dough to the hot cast iron skillet or baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let it rest at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to keep the bread tender. Use fresh baking soda and powder for best rise. Preheat the baking surface for a better crust. Soaking raisins in warm tea before adding can plump them up. Tent with foil if crust browns too fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish soda bread, buttermilk bread, quick bread, raisin bread, easy bread recipe, homemade bread

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/tender-irish-soda-bread-recipe-with-buttermilk-and-raisins-easy-homemade-guide/