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Wholesome Irish Soda Bread with Raisins & Caraway

Irish soda bread with raisins and caraway - featured image
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This tender, slightly sweet soda bread features plump raisins and warm caraway seeds, all made with whole wheat flour for a wholesome twist. It comes together in under an hour with no yeast, no kneading, and no fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1½ tablespoons caraway seeds
  • ¾ cup (120g) raisins
  • 1¾ cups (420ml) buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted (optional, for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Position a rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add caraway seeds and raisins to the flour mixture. Toss to coat the raisins in flour, ensuring they are separated.
  4. Make a deep well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the buttermilk all at once. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, stir in a circular motion until the flour is mostly incorporated. The dough will look shaggy. Do not overmix.
  5. Lightly flour your hands and turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently bring the dough together into a round ball. Do not knead. Pat into a round disc about 6 inches wide and 2 inches tall.
  6. Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut a deep cross into the top, going about ¾ of the way down and extending almost to the edges.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).
  8. Transfer the bread to a cooling rack. While still warm, brush the top with melted butter (optional). Let cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix or knead the dough; soda bread relies on a light touch. Check baking soda freshness by dropping a pinch into vinegar—it should fizz vigorously. Toast caraway seeds in a dry pan for 30 seconds to enhance flavor. Use cold buttermilk for better rise. Let bread cool at least 20 minutes before slicing to avoid a gummy interior.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish soda bread, whole wheat soda bread, raisin caraway bread, quick bread, no yeast bread, rustic bread

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/wholesome-irish-soda-bread-with-raisins-and-caraway/