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Easy Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk and Raisins

Close-up of two thick slices of Easy Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk and Raisins on a white plate.

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Make a simple, traditional Irish soda bread using buttermilk and sweet raisins. This quick bread requires no yeast and is ready fast.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 3/4 cups buttermilk, cold

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly flour a baking sheet.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  3. Stir in the raisins until they distribute evenly through the dry ingredients.
  4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the cold buttermilk.
  5. Mix quickly with a wooden spoon or your hands until just combined into a shaggy dough. Do not overmix.
  6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it 3 or 4 times to bring it together into a round shape.
  7. Place the dough round on the prepared baking sheet. Cut a deep ‘X’ across the top of the loaf, about 1/2 inch deep.
  8. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

  • Serve the bread warm with butter and jam for the best flavor.
  • For a traditional look, brush the top lightly with a little extra buttermilk before baking.
  • If you do not have raisins, you can omit them for a plain soda bread.

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