Nana Dot's Irish Soda Bread is a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. This bread is quick and easy to make, with simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or alongside dinner, this bread warms the heart and makes your kitchen smell incredible!
Why make this recipe
This recipe is great because it's simple and forgiving. Even if you're a beginner, you can make this bread with ease. Plus, it's ready in just under an hour! The taste is amazing, and it brings back fond family memories of shared meals and laughter. Trust me, you’ll want this on your table!
How to make Nana Dot's Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients :
2.5 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons white sugar
0.5 cup butter, cut into pieces
1 cup raisins
0.5 cup currants
2 teaspoons caraway seed
0.75 cup milk
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Directions :
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease two baking sheets.
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Stir flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar together in a large bowl until evenly blended. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in raisins, currants, and caraway seeds; make a well in the center and pour in the milk and vinegar. Stir with a spoon until the dry ingredients are moistened.
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Turn the dough out onto a well floured work surface, and knead gently 8 to 10 times. Divide the dough into two balls, and place onto the prepared baking sheets.
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Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and bake until the top of the bread is golden brown, about 15 minutes more.
How to serve Nana Dot's Irish Soda Bread
You can serve this bread warm or at room temperature. It tastes fantastic with butter or jam spread on top. You can also slice it and enjoy it with soups and stews. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home!
How to store Nana Dot's Irish Soda Bread
To store your bread, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to slice it before freezing for easy thawing!
Tips to make Nana Dot's Irish Soda Bread
- Don’t overmix the dough; a gentle hand goes a long way in keeping the bread tender.
- Adjust the mix-ins like raisins and currants to your liking. Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for a twist!
- Make sure to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can make the bread dense.
Variation (if any)
If you want a variation, try adding zest from an orange or lemon for a fresh twist. You can also replace the raisins and currants with other dried fruits like apricots or cranberries.
FAQs
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Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that it may change the texture a bit. -
What can I do if I don't have buttermilk?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing regular milk with lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes before using. -
How can I make this bread gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure that it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best results.