Bread dontmissmyplate Bread dontmissmyplate

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.

Yield: 10
Author:
Soda Bread with Raisins and Caraway Seeds

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.

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 45 MinTotal time: 1 Hour
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

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 (1/2 for topping)
  • 3/4 cup raisins
  • 1¾ cups buttermilk (plus 1–2 tbsp extra if needed)
  • 1 tbsp melted butter + 1 tbsp for brushing (optional)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients. 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.
  3. Add the buttermilk. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in 1¾ cups of buttermilk.
  4. Bring the dough together. Gently fold the flour into the liquid until the dough just comes together. It should be soft, slightly sticky, and shaggy.
  5. If the dough seems too dry, add extra buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time, just until combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Shape the loaf. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round about 1½–2 inches thick.
  7. Score and top. Cut a deep X across the top. Lightly brush with buttermilk and sprinkle the remaining caraway seeds over the surface.
  8. 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.
  9. Remove from the oven and brush the top with melted butter for extra flavor and shine.
  10. Let cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

260

Fat (grams)

3 g

Carbs (grams)

52 g

Fiber (grams)

2 g

Sugar (grams)

12 g

Protein (grams)

8 g

I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on dontmissmyplate.com should only be used as a general guideline.

Please credit dontmissmyplate.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @dontmissmyplate on instagram and hashtag it #dontmissmyplate
Read More