First off, let me state for the record that I am not Irish. In fact, I’m British born, raised in America, and was married to an American raised Italian. Suffice it to say you don’t have to be Irish to enjoy Irish Soda Bread.
And hey, St. Patrick’s Day is not only for green beer, shamrock shakes, and jello shots!
Why this recipe works
Seems there’s some debate about what constitutes a real Irish Soda Bread. Some say no raisins, some say yes raisins. Traditionally, if it has raisins it’s actually not soda bread. They also say if it contains raisins, eggs, baking powder, sugar, or shortening, it’s then called a cake, not bread. But in America, we call this a quick bread.
Some say this is actually called Spotted Dog or even Railway Cake. I read on another website that Spotted Dog is a “traditional Irish fruit bread also referred to as Railway Cake”.
No matter what you want to call it I know it’s totally delicious. Reminds me of eating raisin bread when I was a little girl.
How To Make Irish Soda Bread
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch round cast iron skillet or a 9 inch round cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour (reserving 1 tablespoon), sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in raisins and caraway seeds.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and sour cream. Stir the liquid mixture into flour mixture just until flour is moistened.
- Use a wooden spoon to mix/knead dough in a bowl for about 10 to 12 strokes. The dough will be very sticky, similar to a loose cookie dough. Place the dough in the prepared skillet or pan and pat down. Cut a 4″ x 3/4″ inch deep slit in the top of the bread. Dust with reserved flour.
- Bake in preheated oven for 65 to 75 minutes. Let cool and turn bread onto a wire rack.
- Irish Stew
- Colcannon Mashed Potatoes
- Shamrock Shaped Brownies
- Boozy Leprechaun
- Instant Pot Corned Beef
- Crockpot Corned Beef
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups raisins
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 9 inch round cake pan or 9 inch round cast iron skillet
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch round cast iron skillet or a 9 inch round cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour (reserving 1 tablespoon), sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in raisins and caraway seeds.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk and sour cream. Stir the liquid mixture into flour mixture just until flour is moistened.
- Use wooden spoon to mix/knead dough in bowl about 10 to 12 strokes. Dough will be very sticky, similar to a loose cookie dough. Place the dough in the prepared skillet or pan and pat down. Cut a 4" x 3/4" inch deep slit in the top of the bread. Dust with reserved flour.
- Bake in preheated oven for 65 to 75 minutes. Let cool and turn bread onto a wire rack.
Serving Suggestions
So whether it’s Irish Soda Bread, Spotted Dog or Railway Cake, this is a marvelous recipe, one I will make again and again. Don’t be alarmed by the number of raisins. Yes, it says 3 cups! It’s the perfect amount and has just the right amount of sweetness to be perfect for breakfast too.
Enjoy it with a cup of Irish coffee on St. Patrick’s Day morning, or if you need something to nibble with your evening Bailey’s Coffee Float!
More Irish Inspired Recipes
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Irish Soda Bread
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Things You’ll Need
Instructions
Nutrition
This post was originally posted on March 9, 2011.
Amanda Davis
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Penny says
Not so much a comment as a question….how awful would it be to omit the caraway seeds? My family does not like those, and I cannot eat this whole bread myself! I know it technically would not be able to be called Irish soda bread without the caraway seeds, but how badly would it affect the flavor of the bread? Could I substitute something else?
Amanda Davis says
It’s not like you are making this for an Irish baking contest, go ahead and omit! Sure the flavor will be different, but it will still be good :)
Edythe BELLOCCHIO says
I’m going to be making mine, I use currents instead of raisins. When my breads are done I immediately wrap each loaf into a clean dish towel, I was taught this technique by a full blooded Irish woman!! Keeping the breads so moist!!!
Jeff says
Great recipe, thank you. -Jeff
Liz says
A wonderful recipe. Thank you.
LOvely says
looks really tasty……
Kitchen Bounty says
Add grated orange zest and dried cranberries!
nicole / Twitter: BTHM1 says
http://blesstheirheartsmom.blogspot.com/2011/03/makin-me-hungry-this-lent-season.html
Sending you a blog award for the great recipes!
Avanika [YumsiliciousBakes] says
That bread/cake actually looks very good, I don't usually bother with bread and things, but I really want to make this one now :)
Miz Helen says
Hi Amanda,
This is a great recipe that is going in my iron skillet. I am having Spring Breakers for a week and this will be perfect. Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and we hope to see you next week!
Barbara Bakes says
Love how much in rose above the pan. It looks fabulous!
Megan says
It looks like it would be a perfect companion to my morning coffee. ;)
Cookin' Canuck says
This is one of the prettiest version of Irish soda bread I've seen. Bookmarked.
Alessio says
Easy and interesting idea to have fun with :D Naturally my versions won't be anymore Irish but surely as delicious as yours! :D
Paula {Salad in a Jar} says
Raisin lover here. I want a really big slice, please.
The Food Hound says
I have always been confused by what is ACTUALLY considered Irish soda bread, so I appreciate your information! This looks awesome.. nothing beats a freshly toasted piece of Irish soda bread with GOBS of Irish butter
Katrina says
You'll find this interesting then on Paige's blog–Golden Raisin Irish Soda Bread. She just posted it. Looks just like yours and she IS calling it Irish soda bread. All I know is I remember having two kinds of her soda bread at one of her classes and it was good and I'm sure your bread–whatever it is called is, too. Love how high and tall yours looks.
Deeba PAB says
What a great looking soda bread; the crumb looks fab. I would love a huge slice … mmm!
shelley c. says
That looks great! Very different from our recipe – interesting how many different versions there are for some things… I definitely want to try this one!
Sue says
Looks like quite a success Amanda, with a capital "S"!