Classic Irish Soda Bread with Raisins

Classic Irish soda bread, made with white flour and studded with raisins, is surprisingly easy to make! Buttermilk adds a rich, tangy flavor and helps the bread rise and cooking it in a Dutch oven helps it keep its gorgeous round shape. You'll love this easy recipe!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword classic Irish soda bread, Irish soda bread, soda bread with raisins

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Total Time 55

Servings bread

Calories 195kcal

Author Lauren Keating

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour divided
4 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1½ teaspoons salt
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces
1¾ cups cold buttermilk shaken
1 egg lightly beaten
1 cup raisins

Instructions

Heat your oven to 375F. Line a Dutch oven with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
Add 4 cups of flour to a large bowl. Mix in the sugar, baking soda and salt.
Add the raisins to a second bowl and mix in about 2 teaspoons the flour mixture, coating the raisins well. This will help them from settling on the bottom of the bread. Set aside.
Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture. Until it resembles coarse sand.
In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the raisins.
Turn the dough out onto a heavily floured surface and give it a few kneads, until it comes together. Shape the dough into a ball and place onto the prepared pan. Using a sharp knife, make a large X on the top of the bread.
Bake for about 45-60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when you tap on it.
Serve warm or store in an airtight container at room temperature.

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