Irish Soda Bread

My favorite part of the traditional St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage menu is the Irish soda bread. Enjoy this version with a little whole wheat flour and dried berry mix which gives a healthy update to the classic version.

Irish Soda Bread

A little whole wheat flour and honey give add a healthy spin to this classic quick bread to round out your St. Patrick's Day meal. Consider baking it all year long for an easy breakfast or afternoon snack.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack

Servings 1 loaf

Ingredients

  

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup honey
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ¾ cup raisins or mixed dried fruit see NOTE
• Butter and/or jam for serving if desired

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Combine flours, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center of the ingredients; set aside.
• Combine buttermilk, honey and egg. Add buttermilk mixture and melted butter to well in the dry ingredients and stir until it becomes a soft dough. Stir in dried fruit just until evenly incorporated.
• Transfer dough to parchment-lined baking sheet and, with lightly floured hands, shape into a round loaf about 6-inches wide. Make an “X” in the top of the loaf with a wet serrated or sharp knife.
• Bake in the center of the preheated oven until toothpick comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes, turning halfway through baking.
• Cool on rack and cut into wedges or slices. Serve with butter and/or jam, if desired. Tightly wrap leftovers.
• Makes 1 loaf.

Notes

I like to use a dried fruit mix from Trader Joes including, raisins, blueberries and cranberries.  You can stick with the traditional raisins or dried currents or experiment with your favorite dried fruit.

Grace

A little Irish blessing to offer before a smear of butter on this yummy bread 🙂

May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.