St. Patrick's Day: Irish Soda Bread
Author: 
Recipe type: Bread
Cuisine: Dessert/ Breakfast
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 3 loaves
 
This delicate bread is wrapped in an almost crunchy, golden brown crust with the most delicious tender inside and pops of sweet, juicy raisins. Perfect for St. Patrick's Day, and just right for any time!
Ingredients
  • 8 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 tbsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp cream of tartar
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • ¾ cup butter, melted
  • 2 cups of raisins (I use a mix of regular and golden raisins)
  • 1 quart buttermilk-divided
  • Coarse sugar for sprinkling
  • Butter for serving
Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, place two cups of raisins and 2 cups of buttermilk.
  2. Microwave on high for 45 seconds.
  3. Let raisins sit and soak in the bowl while you are preparing the dough.
  4. Mix all of the dry ingredients together in a very large bowl.
  5. Add beaten eggs and melted butter.
  6. Stir with a fork.
  7. Add buttermilk and stir with a sturdy wooden spoon until batter is combined.
  8. Add raisins and buttermilk from soaking.
  9. Stir with a wooden spoon until raisins are incorporated.
  10. It will be lumpy looking.
  11. Pour evenly into three standard size loaf pans and smooth the top.
  12. Sprinkle coarse ground sugar on top.
  13. Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes.
  14. Check for doneness.
  15. If it still needs time, bake for longer in five minute increments until loaf is ready.
  16. Cool ten minutes in the pan.
  17. Turn out onto a wire rack and cool before slicing...if you can wait!
  18. Serve with soft butter.
Recipe by Girl and Her Kitchen at http://www.girlandherkitchen.com/2013/03/st-patricks-day-irish-soda-bread.html