Delicious Homemade Tiramisu Recipe – Easy & Quick.
Picture this: the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, the warm and comforting feeling of a soft slice of bread melting in your mouth. Now imagine that perfect loaf of bread with the addition of plump raisins, fragrant caraway seeds, and tangy buttermilk.
Welcome to my Irish Freckle Bread recipe, specially designed for your bread machine. Inspired by the traditional Irish Soda Bread, this recipe adds a unique twist that will transport you to the Emerald Isle with just one bite.
I’ve always been a fan of homemade bread, but I know that kneading dough for hours isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. That’s why I’ve created this easy-to-follow recipe that will yield delicious results in just one hour. Perfect for those who want to enjoy freshly baked bread without sacrificing precious time.
Let me tell you, there’s no greater satisfaction than slicing into a loaf of bread that you’ve made from scratch. And with this recipe, you won’t just make any bread – you’ll have warm, speckled loaves that will make any meal feel special.
So gather your ingredients, dust off your bread machine, and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, bread lovers! This Irish Freckle Bread recipe is one that you absolutely can’t miss out on. Not only is it easy to make with a bread machine, but it also yields a traditional Irish soda bread that will knock your socks off.
Picture this: warm bread fresh out of the oven, perfectly moist and fluffy, filled with juicy raisins and a slight hint of caraway seeds. It’s the perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch spread, or simply as a snack to enjoy throughout the day.
And let’s not forget about how quickly you can whip up this bread in just one hour! All you need are a few staple ingredients like flour, baking soda, sugar, and water. Plus, you can easily customize this recipe by swapping out ingredients or adding your own twists.
So why settle for not-so-fresh store-bought bread when you can make your very own homemade loaf with just a few simple steps? Trust me, once you try this Irish Freckle Bread recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen routine.
Ingredient List
For this Irish Freckle Bread recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups bread flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons dry buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- ½ cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons bread machine yeast or fast-rising yeast
For the yeast, you can also use a bread machine yeast or fast-rising yeast that is specifically formulated for quick bread recipes. The dry buttermilk is an essential ingredient to give your bread that tangy taste. Additionally, the sweet raisins and the savory caraway seeds will add a delightful contrast in flavor. Mixing bread flour and whole wheat flour ensures the right consistency for your Irish Freckle Bread. Lastly, don’t forget to adjust the recipe if you need to make it gluten-free.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have discussed the ingredients, let’s move on to the recipe how-to. This Irish Freckle Bread is remarkably easy to make, thanks to our trusty bread machine. Follow these simple steps to achieve great tasting Irish soda bread result.
Step 1: Loading the Bread Machine
Start by measuring and loading all the ingredients into your bread machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For my recipe, I used fast-rising yeast instead of bread machine yeast, and that works out pretty well for me.
Step 2: Setting Your Machine
Select “basic” setting if your machine has it, and start it. You don’t have to worry about kneading dough or rising time, thanks again to our handy bread machine.
Step 3: Adding Raisins & Caraway Seeds
After around 10 minutes of kneading, the bread maker will beep. This is when you can add one cup of raisins and 2 tsp of whole caraway seeds into the dough.
Step 4: Finishing Off in Oven
When the baking process is complete, take out the hot loaf from the breadmaker and place it on a baking sheet or rack. Leave it alone for a few minutes until it cools down some more. Cut a slice or two while it’s still warm enough to enjoy!
That’s it, folks! A simple yet delicious recipe for Irish Freckle Bread that takes only an hour from start to finish with very little effort on your part. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Well, well, well dear foodie friends! Are you ready for some variations on the traditional Irish Freckle Bread? Hang tight because here we go!
First, let’s talk about the raisins. Now, if you’re not a fan of raisins or want to switch it up a bit, you can substitute them with dried cranberries, cherries, or even chopped apricots. The possibilities are endless, just make sure to keep the measurements the same.
Next up is the caraway seeds. These little seeds add a distinct flavor and texture to traditional Irish soda bread. However, if you’re not a fan or need to skip them due to dietary restrictions, feel free to omit or replace them with another seed like fennel or poppy seeds.
If you’re looking for a healthier twist on this recipe, try replacing some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can experiment with the ratios that work best for you but keeping a 1:2 ratio of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour seems to do the trick.
For those who are gluten-free or prefer bread without yeast, there is still hope! You can substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend and swap out the bread machine yeast with either fast-rising yeast or baking powder (although the texture may be slightly different).
Finally, let’s address the dry buttermilk. If you can’t find it in your local supermarket or prefer to use fresh buttermilk instead, simply swap out the dry version with 2 cups of fresh buttermilk and reduce the water measurement by 2 cups.
There you have it folks! Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment until you find your perfect version of this beloved Irish Freckle Bread.
Serving and Pairing
For me, the best way to enjoy my freshly baked Irish freckle bread is to slice it straight out of the oven while it’s still warm, slather some salted butter on top and wash it down with a piping hot cup of tea.
This bread is perfect for breakfast or brunch, particularly if you’re looking for something hearty and satisfying. You could also serve it as an after-dinner treat with some jam or honey to satisfy your sweet tooth.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, try using slices of this bread to make French toast or use it as a base for a rich and savoury bread pudding. It pairs particularly well with a nice bowl of soup or stew, as the slight sweetness from the raisins complements the savoury flavour.
And if you’re entertaining guests, this bread will be a real showstopper when paired with a cheese board featuring classic Irish cheeses, such as Cashel Blue or Durrus. The nutty flavour from caraway seeds adds depth to the cheeseboard and enhances its overall taste.
No matter how you choose to enjoy this Irish freckle bread, I can guarantee that it’ll quickly become one of your new favorites. So go ahead and serve up a slice of Ireland in your own home — your taste buds will thank you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, let’s talk about what to do after your Irish Freckle Bread has been baked to perfect, golden-brown deliciousness. One of the best things about this bread is that it can be made ahead of time and then stored for days without losing its freshness.
If you plan on serving it later, store the fully cooled bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. You can store it at room temperature for a day or so, or in the refrigerator for up to seven days. For longer storage, the bread can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat as needed.
To reheat the Irish Freckle Bread, I recommend wrapping it in foil and warming it in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can slice the bread and toast it under the broiler until crisp and warm.
The bread is versatile enough to be served with a wide variety of accompaniments. I love to slice it thickly and serve with butter or jam. It also pairs well with cheese or cold cuts, making it perfect for an easy lunch or snack.
Overall, this recipe is ideal for those who want homemade bread without any fuss. It’s easy to make ahead, store, reheat and serve at your convenience. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let’s dig into some tips that will guarantee you excellent results when making this Irish Freckle Bread (Bread Machine) recipe.
– Be Sure to Activate Your Yeast: Double-check that your yeast is fresh and active before using it. You don’t want your bread to turn out dense and flabby because of inactive or old yeast. For best results, make sure to activate the yeast before adding it to the rest of the ingredients by following the instructions on the packaging.
– Use Bread Flour: For the perfect texture, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. Bread flour has higher gluten content and will give you a fluffier texture.
– Don’t Skip the Caraway Seeds: Although caraway seeds are optional in this recipe, they add a lovely flavor and fragrance that compliments the raisins beautifully. If you want your bread to have an authentic taste, it’s recommended to add them.
– Add Soda Last: Since baking soda is a quick rising ingredient, it’s best to add it last after everything else has been combined. This ensures that the reaction between baking soda and buttermilk doesn’t occur too quickly, resulting in uneven baking.
– Use Buttermilk Powder Instead of Fresh Buttermilk: If you don’t have fresh buttermilk on hand, use buttermilk powder instead. It works just as well and saves you from having leftover buttermilk that may go bad before being used again.
– Grease and Flour Your Bread Pan: Grease and lightly flour your bread pan before adding the dough mixture. Doing this ensures that your bread won’t stick to the pan when it’s done baking.
– Let Your Bread Cool Before Cutting into It: Although it can be tempting to cut into your freshly baked loaf immediately after taking it out of the oven, resist doing so! Letting your bread cool for at least 15 minutes helps it set better and makes it easier to slice.
These tips are easy to follow and will help turn out a successful loaf of bread every time. So why not try them out and see what a difference they can make to your baking?
FAQ
Now that you have everything you need to know about making Irish Freckle Bread at your fingertips, it’s time to address some of the most important questions that may arise when following this recipe. From troubleshooting bread result mishaps to understanding the significance of certain ingredients, these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) will ensure that you’re well-versed in all things Irish Soda Bread, so let’s get started!
What makes Irish bread different?
The distinct consistency of this particular bread originates from a chemical reaction that happens between an acid and baking soda, which generates tiny pockets of carbon dioxide throughout the dough.
Why is my Irish brown bread so dense?
When preparing British bread without yeast, I recommend minimizing the amount of kneading to prevent the bread from becoming tough and dense. Additionally, scoring the bread before baking is a crucial technique to ensure that the center is fully cooked.
Why is my bread machine bread not fluffy?
Bread that turns out heavy or dense often occurs due to inadequate kneading of the dough mix. There can be several other possible causes, such as combining the yeast and salt, impatience while baking, or not creating sufficient tension in the loaf before baking.
Why do you make a cross on the top of Irish soda bread before baking it?
In the past, cutting a cross into the top of your soda bread was seen as a way to keep evil spirits at bay during the baking process. Moreover, the cross was also considered a symbol of gratitude and blessings for the bread.
Bottom Line
So, dear reader, if you’re a fan of traditional bread making or just looking for something easy and delicious to make in your bread machine, I urge you to try this Irish Freckle Bread recipe. With its unique combination of raisins, caraway seeds, baking soda and buttermilk, it’ll be a sure hit at any dinner table. Don’t be afraid to make substitutions or variation to suit your tastes. And keep in mind that by using the fast-rising yeast option, you can have freshly baked bread in just one hour! So go ahead and give it a go – I promise it’s worth trying!
Irish Freckle Bread (Bread Machine) Recipe
Ingredients
1 1/2 Pound Loaf
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1/3 cup dry buttermilk
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons bread machine yeast or 1 1/2 teaspoons fast rising yeast
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Measure ingredients except raisins into baking pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
- Insert pan into the oven chamber.
- Select Basic Cycle; press start.
- Add raisins at the "add ingredient" signal.
- When the baking cycle ends, immediately remove the bread from the pan and place it on a rack.
- Let cool to room temperature before slicing.
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.