Irish soda bread with whiskey raisins and caraway

A loaf of soda bread that has whiskey soaked raisins and caraway seeds is a delicious addition to your St. Patrick's Day dinner. 

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While we love a loaf of Traditional Irish Soda Bread with our corned beef and cabbage dinners, sometimes I like to switch it up with a loaf that has has whiskey soaked raisins and caraway seeds. These additions add some sweetness and flavor to the soda bread that we enjoy.

Soda breads are a simple bread to make since they rely on baking soda to rise while they are baking versus a yeast or sourdough bread that requires rising time before baking. If you've never made homemade bread before, soda bread is a terrific way to start.

Soda bread is a traditional accompaniment to a St. Patrick's Day dinner of corned beef and cabbage. However, you can make soda breads at anytime. 

They are delicious with stews, soups, chili, and more. It would be delicious with a Guinness beef stew for a different St. Patrick's Day meal.

This soda bread with raisins and caraway seeds would even be a delicious addition to a breakfast or brunch since it has a touch of sweetness to it.

This bread is delicious spread with butter or honey butter. When I made honey butter, I simply let butter come to room temperature and add some honey until it reaches my desired sweetness. You can use salted butter, or add a pinch of salt as well.

The raisins in this bread are soaked in whiskey to make them plump and juicy, as well as add a bit of whiskey flavor. They are then drained and the alcohol should mostly evaporate while baking.

If you don't want to use alcohol, you can soak them in apple juice, or even just some water so that they still get plump and juicy.

Give this Irish soda bread with whiskey raisins and caraway a try for your next St. Patrick's Day dinner, or anytime you want to make a homemade bread.

Yield: 1 loaf

Author: Amy (Savory Moments)

Irish Soda Bread with Whiskey Raisins and Caraway

A loaf of soda bread that has whiskey soaked raisins and caraway seeds is a delicious addition to your St. Patrick's Day dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raisins
• about 1/3 cup whiskey
• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1-1/4 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided
• 1 tablespoon caraway seeds

Instructions

1. Mix the raisins and whiskey (just enough to about cover the raisins) in a small bowl. Let soak at least 2 hours or overnight. Then drain well.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. In another bowl (or large measuring cup) whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and 2 tablespoons of the melted butter.
5. Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry until the are almost combined. Then add the drained raisins and caraway. Continue to stir until just combined.
6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface using lightly floured hands. Shape into a disc about 7-inches in diameter.
7. Place onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a baking stone. Score the bread with a cross. Brush with the remaining tablespoon of butter.
8. Bake until the top and bottom turn lightly golden brown and an inserted toothpick comes out cleanly, about 40-45 minutes.
9. Let cool for about 45 minutes. Serve warm with butter or honey butter, if desired.

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I hope you give this Soda Bread with Whiskey Raisins and Caraway a try! Let me know in the comments below. 

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This post was originally published in 2013 and has been updated in 2023 with a recipe card, new text, and more to improve reader experience.

Check out these other homemade bread recipes:

Dill Pickle Quick Bread

Honey Cheddar Beer Bread w/ Honey Butter

Sharp Cheddar & Chive Quick Bread  

Skillet Sourdough Cornbread