Moist Irish Soda Bread

Name: Moist Irish Soda Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 1 loaf (16 slices).
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup cold butter; 1 cup golden raisins; 1-3/4 cups buttermilk

I'm allergic to yeast, so I appreciate recipes for quick breads, biscuits and soda breads. This tender loaf that's dotted with golden raisins is great, It's one way I can enjoy toast for breakfast. —Carol Fritz of Fulton, Illinois

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold butter
1 cup golden raisins
1-3/4 cups buttermilk

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add raisins. Stir in buttermilk just until moistened. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; gently knead 6-8 times.
Place on an ungreased baking sheet; pat into a 7-in. round loaf. Using a sharp knife, cut a 1-in. cross about 1/4 in. deep on top of the loaf. Bake at 375° for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 181 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 265mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.

Originally published as Irish Soda Bread in Light & Tasty February/March 2003

Reviews

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Average Rating:

KristineChayes

Mar 16, 2016

I made 14 of these loaves for my church bake sale this past weekend and they sold out immediately! I made 2 loaves out of each batch of dough, added an extra tablespoon of butter and 1/2 cup more raisins. I didn't over knead the dough and shaped each loaf into a slightly mounded round. I cut a 1/2" deep cross on each. These changes resulted in a reduced baking time, which ensured greater moistness. I will be using this recipe again for future bake sales!
mrs.mark

Mar 20, 2015

Very good. Everyone enjoyed it, and it was nice and moist.
ms11145

Mar 17, 2015

While I liked the bread, famiky didn't, so won't be making it again. I will just cut up the leftovers for croutons.
TheDix

Mar 13, 2015

Excellent moist Irish Soda Bread. I used the darker raisins. I liked the larger size loaf as I'm serving 8 this evening. There will be plenty. This is a keeper for me.
MrsOwens

Jan 28, 2014

I love Irish Soda Bread and always try to find one that is a little more "truer" to the traditional recipes. I did omit the raisins and I prefer *traditional Irish soda bread. It was a great recipe and I will keep it on hand for future use.*(being of Irish descent, I like recipes that are close to traditional. Irish soda bread was for the poorer families and consisted of 4 basic ingredients - flour, baking soda, salt, milk or sour milk. The poorer families couldn't afford the extravagant ingredients such as raisins, currants, nuts, etc., that are found in newer recipes.)
ConnieK

Mar 23, 2013

Made this to go along with Favorite Irish Stew (also on this site) and it was great. Perfect meal.
scrapo

Mar 9, 2011

This turned out good! I made it to go w/ Breakfast but would imagine it would be best with some yummy beef stew.