Authentic Irish Soda Bread is a long standing tradition in many Irish families. There seems to be quite a debate over whether the bread should take on a sweet or savory flavor.
In this family recipe submitted to Oat&Sesame by the Lowery clan from the Chicago suburbs, the emphasis is subtlety sweet. The family has made this very same recipe for many generations and the tradition continues.
Every year their kitchen is piled high with loaves of this authentic Irish Soda bread. What makes it authentic…simply that it’s authentic to their family.
Recipes handed down over generations change with time, but what’s most important is that sharing these recipes with each other makes memories.
What is traditional Irish Soda Bread?
According to the recipe gurus at the New York Times, traditional Irish Soda Bread is really a plain bread best served with lots of butter. There are no raisins or add-ins. It was And it was not considered a “festive” bread – it was a weekly staple on the table. There’s a whole website dedicated to the history of Traditional Irish Soda Bread.
The only ingredients should be:
Flour, Salt, Baking Soda, Buttermilk
Recipes change. With differing tastes and preferences, what is considered “traditional” might just be different in every family!
What doesn’t change is that the comforting smell of warm bread baking is not only symbolic of family traditions, but of a much larger sentiment; sharing the joys of life with family and friends.
Warm raisins and buttermilk create a traditional and authentic Irish Soda bread!
- 3 cups sifted flour
- 2/3 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups raisins soak raisins in warm water till plump and drain
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons Kerry Gold butter melted
- Grease Crisco shortening and flour two medium loaf pans.
-
Heat oven to 350F.
-
Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda.
-
Stir in raisins.
-
Mix eggs and buttermilk together, add to flour mixture, stir with fork till blended together, stir in melted butter.
-
Mix till sticky dough forms.
-
Divide evenly into loaf pans.
-
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or till a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
What are your favorite family recipes?
Do you have a favorite recipe for Irish Soda Bread?
More recipes you may like
Thank you, Emily! This is the best recipe for Irish soda bread I have ever tasted! It is spot on and so perfect! Especially with St Patrick’s Day approaching, it’s time to start baking for all my friends and family.
Thanks Sophia!! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!