Martha Stewart Irish Soda Bread Recipe

This Martha Stewart Irish Soda Bread Recipe is a dense and lightly sweet loaf, which includes raisins and caraway seeds. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 20 minutes—perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or a cozy tea-time treat.

Martha Stewart Irish Soda Bread Recipe Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons caraway seeds
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
• 2 cups golden or dark raisins
• 1 ½ scant cups buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream

How To Make Martha Stewart Irish Soda Bread Recipe

1. Preheat oven and prep pan: Heat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and caraway seeds.
3. Cut in butter and add raisins: Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in raisins.
4. Add buttermilk mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and baking soda. Pour into the dry mixture all at once and stir with a fork until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Form the loaf: Use your hands to press the dough into a round, dome-shaped loaf about 8 inches across. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
6. Add egg wash and score top: In a small bowl, mix egg yolk and cream. Brush over the loaf. Use a sharp knife to cut a cross about ½ inch deep on top.
7. Bake the bread: Bake for about 70 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. The loaf is done when deeply golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the bread: Transfer loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Recipe Tips

• Can I skip the caraway seeds?
  Yes, they’re traditional but optional. Leave them out if you prefer a plainer loaf.
• Why cut a cross on top?
  It helps the bread bake evenly and allows steam to escape.
• How do I know when it’s done?
  The loaf should be golden and sound hollow when tapped, or test with a skewer for doneness.
• Can I use currants instead of raisins?
  Absolutely—currants or dried cranberries make great substitutions.
• Can I use whole-wheat flour?
  You can swap in up to half the flour with whole-wheat for a denser, nuttier loaf.

What To Serve With Irish Soda Bread

This hearty bread is delicious warm or toasted with simple spreads. Try it with:

• Salted butter
• Orange marmalade or jam
• A slice of sharp cheddar
• Smoked salmon and cream cheese
• Hot tea or coffee

How To Store Irish Soda Bread

Room Temperature:
Store wrapped in foil or an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze:
Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and rewarm in a low oven if desired.

Irish Soda Bread Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~250
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 290mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portion size.

FAQs

Is Irish soda bread supposed to be sweet or savory?
This version is lightly sweet with raisins and sugar, but some recipes are more savory.

Can I bake it in a cast iron skillet?
Yes, just make sure it’s well-greased or lined with parchment.

How do I keep the bread moist?
Wrap it tightly once cooled and don’t slice until ready to serve.

Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes! Try nuts, dried cranberries, or even orange zest for a flavor twist.

Try More Recipes:

• Martha Stewart Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
• Martha Stewart Baked Potato Recipe
• Martha Stewart Green Bean Casserole Recipe