Easy Raisin Soda Bread with Caraway Seeds
Nothing says St. Patrick’s Day like the smell of fresh-baked soda bread wafting from your oven. This quick, comforting bread, studded with sweet raisins and fragrant caraway seeds, is surprisingly easy to make and brings a cozy, celebratory touch to your table.
Caraway seeds lend a subtle, nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the raisins, giving the bread a lightly spiced, flavorful profile reminiscent of many Irish kitchens, without being tied to a strict “traditional” recipe.
Unlike yeast breads, soda bread rises quickly thanks to the magic of baking soda and buttermilk, letting you go from mixing the dough to slicing a golden loaf in under an hour. Its tender crumb, gentle sweetness, and distinctive hint of caraway make it ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a simple snack with butter or jam.
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, hosting a casual brunch, or just craving a slice of homemade bread, this recipe is approachable for bakers of any level and delivers that fresh-from-the-oven satisfaction every time. Top it with avocado mash, a smear of butter, or enjoy it on its own—either way, it’s a comforting taste of Ireland, reimagined for your kitchen.
Soda Bread with Raisins and Caraway Seeds
Tender, slightly sweet soda bread with toasted caraway seeds and plump raisins. Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cake flour
- 2.5 cups bread flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1.5 tsp toasted caraway seeds (plus 1/2 tsp for topping)
- 3/4 cup raisins
- 1¾ cups buttermilk (plus 1–2 tbsp extra if needed)
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp butter for brushing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a greased and lightly floured cast-iron skillet or baking sheet in the oven to preheat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, bread flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Stir in 1 teaspoon of the toasted caraway seeds and the raisins.
- Add the buttermilk then the melted butter to the dry ingredients.
- Gently fold the flour into the liquid until the dough just comes together, don't overmix! It should be soft, slightly sticky, and shaggy.
- If the dough seems too dry, add extra buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time, just until combined.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round about 1½–2 inches thick.
- Score and top. Cut a deep X across the top. Lightly brush with buttermilk and sprinkle the remaining caraway seeds over the surface.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and firm and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. Begin checking around the 35–40 minute mark.
- Remove from the oven and brush the top with melted butter for extra flavor and shine.
- Let cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
260Fat (grams)
3 gCarbs (grams)
52 gFiber (grams)
2 gSugar (grams)
12 gProtein (grams)
8 gI am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on dontmissmyplate.com should only be used as a general guideline.
Serving Suggestion: Avocado-Topped Soda Bread
For a fresh, modern twist, try topping a warm slice of your soda bread with creamy mashed avocado. Simply mash half a ripe Hass avocado with a squeeze of lemon juice, season with salt, pepper, and a hint of chili-garlic spice, and spread over lightly buttered and toasted bread. Finish with a drizzle of safflower oil and a handful of crisp pea shoots for texture and a pop of green. This simple topping turns your cozy loaf into a satisfying breakfast, brunch, or snack, combining the hearty flavor of soda bread with bright, creamy avocado and a touch of spice.
