March 17, 2013

Irish soda bread with whiskey raisins and caraway

Top view of a finished loaf of 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.

Side view of a loaf of Irish Soda Bread with Whiskey Raisins and Caraway.

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.

Sliced loaf of Irish Soda Bread with whiskey raisins and caraway.

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

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

22 comments:

  1. Great bread! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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  2. I have never had bread with whiskey! This must be so flavorful.

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  3. It looks and sounds terrific!

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  4. I always thought soda bread would taste funny, but I had it recently and loved it! You really amped this one up, too ;)

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  5. Soda bread is something I've never made either. Probably because of my husband's distaste for raisins. Perhaps he would like your boozey raisin though :)

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    1. Raisins are pretty much the one thing my husband doesn't really like either. I wanted to use dried currants, but couldn't find them. The whiskey definitely helps though - he ate it and liked it!

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  6. What a gorgeous craggy loaf of bread! I am loving the whiskey! I bet it adds a lot of flavor.

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  7. You've definitely inspired me to purchase some caraway seeds soon!

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  8. I love how you infused the raisins with such awesome flavors! Definitely makes for a more tasty bread!

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  9. whiskey and carraway seeds seem like such good additions, along with kerry gold and a little salt, of course :) yum!!

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  10. It looks gorgeous! I've never tried soda bread, but I hear good things. I think it's about time I do!

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  11. I've never made soda bread myself but your recipe is very inspiring so I'll try :)
    To soak the raisins in Whiskey is a great idea, I'm sure it makes the bread even tastier.

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  12. I haven't baked any soda bread in a while..love yours with rustic look. Irresistible!

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  13. Nice bread Amy, I yet have to bake bread with soda...I like the raisins soaked in whiskey...
    Hope you are having a fun week :)

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  14. I don't care for raisins and therefore don't want to adulterate soda bread with them, but I wonder about just throwing some whiskey into the dough in place of some of the liquid, because what a great idea it is to bring whiskey's flavour into soda bread!

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  15. Bread with whiskey infused raisins sounds like a treat on St. Patrick's Day or any day. Bravo to reducing the sugar =)

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  16. I have always wanted to try making this- love the whiskey raisins!

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  17. It's the best time of year...mainly because of soda bread and corned beef...I can't wait to make mine!

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  18. oh! I love the idea of soaking the raisins in whiskey! Brilliant! Pinned for St. Patrick's Day.

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  19. Bread...my weakness :) Thanks for sharing at Friday Frenzy Link Party! PINNED :)

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