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Classic Irish Soda Bread with Caraway Seeds

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A quick and easy traditional Irish soda bread enhanced with toasted caraway seeds for a subtle anise-like flavor. This cozy loaf features a crisp golden crust and tender crumb, perfect for sharing with soups or spreads.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons toasted caraway seeds
  • 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 ½ tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Position a rack in the middle.
  2. Toast the caraway seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and toasted caraway seeds.
  4. Add the cold butter pieces and rub into the flour mixture with your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Gradually pour in the buttermilk while stirring with a wooden spoon until the dough is sticky but holds together. Add more buttermilk by tablespoon if too dry.
  6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 3–4 times to form a cohesive round loaf. Avoid over-kneading.
  7. Shape the dough into an 8-inch (20 cm) diameter round about 2 inches (5 cm) thick. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or cast iron skillet.
  8. Score a deep ‘X’ about ½ inch (1.3 cm) deep across the top with a sharp knife.
  9. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Tap the bottom of the loaf; a hollow sound indicates it is done.
  10. Cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Toast caraway seeds to enhance flavor and avoid bitterness. Do not over-knead the dough to keep the crumb tender. Use fresh baking soda for proper rise. If crust browns too quickly, tent with foil after 25 minutes. For extra crispy crust, bake on a preheated cast iron skillet or baking stone. Buttermilk can be substituted with milk and vinegar or lemon juice. Butter is optional but recommended for richer texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish soda bread, caraway seeds, quick bread, traditional bread, easy bread recipe, no yeast bread, cozy bread, homemade bread

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/classic-irish-soda-bread-with-caraway-seeds-easy-homemade-recipe-for-cozy-loaf/