Delicious Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe
Welcome to the world of Irish Soda Bread Scones – a heavenly combination of Irish soda bread and scones. These delicious scones bring together the best of both worlds, creating a unique twist on two classic recipes.
Soda bread is a staple food in Ireland, traditionally made with flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and salt. It’s known for its crusty exterior and soft, tender interior. Similarly, scones are a beloved British treat that can be served for breakfast, afternoon tea or dessert.
The marriage of these two delicious treats creates a delightful treat that is perfect for any time of day. The best part is that they’re easy to make and can be customized in so many ways. You can add raisins, nuts, caraway seeds, or even whiskey-soaked currants.
In this recipe article, you’ll find everything you need to know about making Irish Soda Bread Scones from scratch. From the ingredients to the methods to serving suggestions and even substitutions for those with dietary restrictions, we’ve got you covered.
So let’s get baking and discover the magic of Irish Soda Bread Scones!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As you read through this recipe, your mouth might already be watering, and for good reason. These Irish Soda Bread Scones are a unique and delicious take on traditional Irish soda bread. Why will you love this recipe? Allow me to persuade you.
Firstly, these scones are easy to make with simple ingredients. No need for any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients here! Just flour, oats, sugar, buttermilk, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. It’s a recipe that even the most novice baker can master.
Secondly, these scones are versatile. They can be eaten at any time of day! Serve them warm with melted butter for breakfast or brunch alongside a nice cup of tea or coffee. Or pair them with a hearty soup or stew for lunch or dinner. Plus, they make for perfect snacks throughout the day.
Thirdly, these scones have a unique flavor and texture that will make your taste buds sing. The combination of oats and flour gives them a slightly nutty taste and a hearty texture which makes them filling to eat. The addition of caraway seeds adds a lovely fragrance and taste to the scones which is simply amazing!
Lastly, this recipe is easily customizable according to your preferences. You can opt to add raisins or currants for some sweetness, cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor or glaze them with honey butter if you like it sweet too.
In summary, it’s not hard to see why you’ll love this Irish Soda Bread Scone recipe! From its simplicity in ingredients and ease of cooking to its versatility in meals and customization according to your preferences – what’s not to love? So without further ado head straight into your kitchen and get baking today!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious Irish Soda Bread Scones:
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup raisins (or dried currants, or a mix of both)
Note: You can also use white whole wheat flour, whole wheat pastry flour, or a mix of both with unbleached all-purpose flour.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Note: You can also substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt, or make your own by mixing regular milk with lemon juice. Also, for vegan scones, use non-dairy milk and vegan butter instead of buttermilk and regular butter.
Irish Soda Bread Scones Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut in small cubes and chilled
- 4 teaspoons turbinado sugar (for sprinkling on top)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (for traditional Irish flavor), zest from one orange (for a citrusy twist), fresh or frozen blueberries (for blueberry scones)
With these ingredients ready, we can move on to the recipe how-to!
The Recipe How-To
Mixing the Dough
Now it’s time to get your hands dirty! Mix all your dry ingredients in a bowl – 3 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of oats, 1/4 cup of turbinado sugar, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Add cubes of chilled unsalted butter into the mix then crumble them together with your fingers until everything looks like breadcrumbs.
Adding Wet Ingredients
Create a well in the center and pour 1 and ½ cups of buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed in). Bring everything together gently as overly handled dough will make your scones dense. If the dough is still too dry, add more buttermilk little by little until you get the right consistency.
Kneading & Kneading
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and sprinkle some flour on top. Start kneading gently by pressing down then outward with your palms. Avoid using too much pressure or else it will create a leaden scone. The dough has to be light enough for the baking powder to generate bubbles which in turn will give us that airy crumb we have been dreaming about. Finish your kneading with orange zest, this should take around five minutes.
Shaping the Dough
Finally, divide the dough into two parts and roll each one into a circle about an inch thick then sprinkle some oats on top. Cut each circle in half then lightly press them onto the edges with your fingers to help puff up while baking.
Baking Your Scones
Place them on a baking sheet that has been sprinkled with oats as well so that they won’t stick. Brush some additional buttermilk over their tops to aid in browning during baking then scoop up that additional tablespoon of sugar we set aside earlier and sprinkle it liberally over each scone. Deciding what type of scone to make – orange-blueberry scones, raisin scones, Irish whiskey butter scones or soda bread scones – the possibilities are endless!
Bake for about 20-25 minutes at 425°F then cool your soda bread scones on a wire rack before slicing them in half and serving with Irish butter and a nice cup of tea. Enjoy your amazing creation!
Substitutions and Variations
For those who want to mix things up and add their own twist, there are a variety of substitutions and variations to consider when making Irish Soda Bread Scones. Here are a few ideas:
– Instead of using regular flour, try using whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Whole wheat flour has more fiber and is less processed than white flour.
– For a vegan version of this recipe, use almond or soy milk in place of the buttermilk, and coconut oil or vegan butter in place of the traditional butter.
– If you want to add some extra flavor to your scones, consider adding raisins, dried currants, caraway seeds, or even fresh orange zest.
– To make these scones even sweeter, sprinkle some turbinado sugar on top of the dough before baking.
– For a savory twist, substitute half of the sugar with oats and add in some ground nutmeg or even Irish whiskey butter.
– Experiment with different types of flours like bread flour or gluten-free flour to see how it affects the texture and taste of the scones.
Remember that these substitutions and variations may affect the overall taste and texture of your scones, so it’s always good to test out new combinations in small batches before making larger batches for special occasions.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing these Irish Soda Bread Scones, there are plenty of options that can make your taste buds dance with joy.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that these scones are best eaten fresh out of the oven when still warm and slightly crispy on the outside, but soft and moist in the inside. However, if you are not eating them right away, be sure to store them properly (as outlined in the Make-Ahead and Storing section) to maintain their freshness.
Now, let’s talk about pairing. These scones go incredibly well with a variety of spreads like butter, jam, honey or even whipped cream cheese. For a more savory option, try topping them with salmon or cream cheese spread.
If you’re making these scones as part of a larger meal or for a special occasion like St. Patrick’s Day, they pair perfectly with soups and stews that have been flavored with traditional Irish spices such as ground nutmeg and caraway seeds. Alternatively, pair them with your favorite teas or coffees for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
Overall, these Irish Soda Bread Scones are a versatile treat that can accompany any mealtime or simply be savored on their own.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve made these Irish soda bread scones, you’ll want to enjoy them as fresh as possible. Luckily, they’re very easy to make ahead and store. You can freeze them for up to a month or keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
When it’s time to reheat these delightful scones, be sure not to use a microwave. Instead, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, wrap the scones in aluminum foil or parchment paper and heat them for up to five minutes. This will ensure that they retain their fresh-out-of-the-oven texture and won’t become soggy or tough.
If you made a large batch of scones but don’t plan on eating them all at once, consider storing the unbaked dough in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you are ready to bake them, simply remove them from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before putting them into the oven.
These make-ahead tips are perfect for busy families or those who want a quick and easy breakfast that can be prepared ahead of time. With these helpful methods, you can enjoy these delicious Irish soda bread scones any time of day, without sacrificing freshness or flavor.
Tips for Perfect Results
Once you understand the basic ingredients and measurements, making Irish soda bread scones is easy. However, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you turn out perfect results every time.
First, make sure to use cold butter, and cut it into small pieces before incorporating it into the dough. This will ensure that the scones have a light, flaky texture.
Second, don’t overwork the dough. Once you’ve mixed in all the ingredients, knead the dough just until it comes together, then stop. Overworking the dough can result in tough, dense scones.
Third, be careful not to overbake the scones. They should be golden brown on the outside and fully cooked on the inside, but they should not be dry or tough. To prevent overbaking, keep a close eye on them as they bake and pull them out of the oven as soon as they’re done.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different add-ins and variations. While traditional Irish soda bread scones are delicious on their own, they can also be enhanced with ingredients like raisins, dried currants, caraway seeds, or even a splash of Irish whiskey.
By following these tips and getting creative with your flavor combinations, you’re sure to turn out perfectly delicious Irish soda bread scones every time.
FAQ
Now that you have learned about the different aspects of this Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe, you may still have some questions left regarding the preparation, ingredients or outcome of this recipe. In this FAQ section, I will address some of the most commonly asked questions about these scones to help you achieve the best possible results when making them. Let’s get started!
What’s the difference between soda bread and scones?
The method of preparation for Irish Soda Bread and scones share many similarities. Both recipes call for butter to be cut into the flour, light sweetening, and the use of baking powder or soda as leavening agents. Additionally, both are made with buttermilk or soured milk. The primary contrast lies in the final shape of the baked goods. Irish Soda Bread is traditionally made as a loaf, while scones are formed into triangular wedges.
Is there a difference between soda bread and Irish soda bread?
When crafting an Irish soda bread, there are distinct variations between the traditional recipe and the American version. One notable difference is the prevalence of caraway seeds and raisins in American soda breads, while their absence is common in Irish soda breads. To ensure an authentic soda bread, it’s important to pay attention to these subtle ingredient variations.
What is the key ingredient in Irish soda bread that makes it different from other breads?
Soda bread’s distinctive texture stems from the chemical reaction between baking soda and sour milk, which produces tiny carbon dioxide bubbles within the dough. Additionally, the shape of soda bread holds deep cultural significance.
Why do you put a cross on Irish soda bread?
In the past, it was believed that cutting a cross on the top of soda bread had a crucial purpose. People thought that this act could prevent the devil from entering their bread while it baked. Additionally, it was perceived as a way to acknowledge the blessing of the bread and express gratitude.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Irish Soda Bread Scones recipe is a must-try for those who crave the rustic and hearty flavors of traditional Irish cuisine. With its unique blend of oats, flour, buttermilk, and caraway seeds, this recipe offers an authentic taste of Ireland that will keep you coming back for more.
Not only is this recipe delicious and satisfying, but it is also versatile and easy to customize. You can experiment with different variations and additions to make it your own. You can even try making it vegan or gluten-free!
With these scones, you can enjoy a taste of Ireland any time of day. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or tea time. And with some Irish Whiskey Butter or Honey Butter on top, they will satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get baking! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour (white, whole wheat or half and half)
- 1/4 cup oats
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (can use low-fat)
Topping
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons oats
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Stir together dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Add buttermilk and stir to combine.
- Mix by hand until a dough starts to form. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead into a ball. Pat dough into a 7-8 inch circle about one inch thick. Cut into six large or 10 small scones (or whatever shape your heart desires).
- Transfer scones to baking pan with parchment or that’s lightly floured. Brush the tops of scones with buttermilk, then sprinkle the oats and turbinado sugar over them.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until they’re lightly brown and have a hollow sound when you tap the bottoms. Let cool for a few minutes and spread with your favorite jam while they’re still warm.
Nutrition
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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.