Irish Soda Bread with Raisins

Name: Irish Soda Bread with Raisins
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices).
Ingredients: 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast; 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°); 3 tablespoons sugar, divided; 1 cup warm buttermilk (110° to 115°); 2 tablespoons butter, softened; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup golden raisins

I've been making bread since I was a young girl, and this is one of my favorites. This round loaf is moist with a wonderful texture and flavor. Golden raisins peek out of every slice. -Ann Lauver, Lititz, Pennsylvania

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
3 tablespoons sugar, divided
1 cup warm buttermilk (110° to 115°)
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup golden raisins

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add 1 tablespoon sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Beat in the buttermilk, butter, salt, baking soda, 1 cup flour and remaining sugar until smooth. Stir in raisins and enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 40 minutes.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead for 2 minutes. Shape into a round loaf. Place on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. With a sharp knife, cut a 1/4-in.-deep cross on top of loaf.
Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to cool on a wire rack.

Editor's Note

Warmed buttermilk will appear curdled.

Originally published as Irish Soda Bread in Taste of Home February/March 2002

Reviews

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Average Rating:

Jean Kloos

Apr 7, 2016

I have been making this soda bread for many years now. I shape my like a loaf and use it for sandwiches and toast. After the first rise, I roll it out and spread it with cinnamon and sugar. Then I roll it up and let it rise again and bake. Makes GREAT cinnamon bread!
rosesharon61

Mar 26, 2016

This is the perfect Irish Soda Bread (if you like yeast bread) It made the perfect bread for my St. Patricks meal. Thank you for sharing. I will be making this bread again.
juliedm

Mar 16, 2016

I love this non-traditional Irish soda bread. It has a softer crust and lighter texture than traditional baking soda only recipes, plus a lovely yeasty aroma amd taste (the baking soda taste is subtle). Try dusting some powdered sugar on top after baking for a breakfast treat (and additionally risk offending "true" Irish soda bread people! hee!) Alternately, you can shape the dough for dinner rolls with excellent results.
Sprowl

Mar 8, 2011

Have made this a number of times. Always delicious. I use the regular raisins.
kotie

Mar 3, 2010

This is a delicious bread. Just made it today, would make again. Better than a true soda bread
belisamasana

Mar 16, 2009

Excellent recipe. I don't care if it's a "true" soda bread or not, it makes a tasty, simple loaf of bread that the kids devour :)
mammiex6

Feb 2, 2008

I'm sure this makes a delicious raisin bread but it should NOT be called an Irish soda bread. A true soda bread has soda in it not yeast.