Delicious Irish Soda Bread Recipe for Your Next Meal!
Welcome to my recipe article for my Irish Soda Bread, Tea Cake Style. As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I am thrilled to share with you one of my favorite bread recipes that is quick, easy, and a tribute to the traditional Irish style flour.
Irish soda bread has a rich history dating back to the 1840s when it became an essential staple for many families in Ireland. Unlike other bread-making methods that involve yeast or sourdough, Irish soda bread uses baking soda as a leavening agent. This quick and easy method has made it popular not just in Ireland but also in the US, especially during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
My take on this classic recipe combines the best of both worlds—Irish soda bread and tea cake! By adding raisins, cinnamon, and brown sugar, this bread is transformed into a delightful tea-time treat. It’s perfect for those lazy afternoons when all you want is a warm cup of Irish tea and something sweet to complement it.
I promise you; this recipe will be a crowd-pleaser! It’s simple, delicious, and versatile enough to be paired with any dish. So let’s get started on making this mouth-watering Irish Soda bread, tea cake style—a perfect blend of traditional Irish soda bread and American-style tea cakes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you ready to indulge in a taste of traditional Irish foods? Then I have the perfect recipe for you – my Irish Soda Bread, Tea Cake Style! This bread is a staple in Ireland and has been enjoyed for generations. Here are some reasons why you should love this recipe:
1. Quick and Easy: This recipe can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for busy days when you want a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
2. Versatile: My Irish Soda Bread, Tea Cake Style can be enjoyed at any time of day. It’s perfect as a breakfast bread with jam or butter, served as an afternoon snack with a good cup of tea or paired with soup or salad for lunch or dinner.
3. Healthy: Being baked with wheat germ and whole wheat flour makes this bread packed with fiber and nutrients while also being low in fat.
4. Delicious: The oats, raisins, brown sugar and cinnamon make this bread so flavorful and moist that just one bite will make your taste buds go wild!
5. Perfect Pairing: A slice of my Irish Soda Bread, Tea Cake Style pairs perfectly with a hot cup of Irish tea on St. Patrick’s Day, but it’s also great for any occasion.
Try my Irish Soda Bread, Tea Cake Style recipe today and you won’t regret it! Its’ texture, flavor and healthy ingredients make it the perfect accompaniment to any meal or celebration!
Ingredient List
- 2 cups Whole Wheat Flour
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour
- 1/4 cup Rolled Oats
- 1/4 cup Raisins (golden or regular)
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 3 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 2 tbsp Wheat Germ
- 4 tbsp unsalted Butter, cut into small pieces (use cold, straight from the fridge)
- 1 1/2 cups 2% Low Fat Milk
This recipe is very versatile and easy to customize, feel free to tweak it as per your taste.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the fun part – actually making the Irish Soda Bread Tea Cake! I can’t wait to show you just how simple and quick this recipe is.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup of rolled oats
- 1/4 cup of wheat germ
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tsp of baking powder
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1/2 cup of cold butter (cubed)
- 1 cup of golden raisins
- 1 cup of unsweetened 2% low-fat milk
Step-by-Step Directions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a small cast iron skillet or Dutch oven.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the two types of flour, rolled oats, wheat germ, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Incorporate the cubed butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Mix in raisins.
Step 4: Gently stir in milk until ingredients have just come together. The dough should be rough and shaggy.
Step 5: Flatten out dough on a floured surface to about an inch thick. Cut it into four equal parts.
Step 6: Place the shaped dough into prepared pan with a whopping dollop in the middle.
Step 7: Bake for about an hour or until golden brown on top.
That’s it! Your very own delicious Irish Soda Bread Tea Cake is ready to be eaten. Remember that this bread is best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven with a cup of Irish tea. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I understand that not everyone has access to the same ingredients or may have dietary restrictions that make it difficult to follow certain recipes. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for substitutions and variations that can help you make this recipe your own.
Here are some ideas:
– Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version of this recipe, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also use gluten-free oat flour instead of rolled oats.
– Different Grains: Switch up the grains in this recipe by replacing the wheat germ, whole wheat flour, or all-purpose flour with other types of flours, such as rye, spelt, or buckwheat.
– Raisin Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of raisins, try using other dried fruits like cranberries, currants or apricots. You could also opt for nuts like chopped walnuts, almonds or pecans.
– Adding Flavors: There are many flavors you can consider adding to the recipe. For example, you can add vanilla extract or almond extract for a sweeter flavor. Or you might try using pumpkin spice, nutmeg or ginger to add a little spice.
– Add more sugar: If you prefer your tea cake to be sweeter, increase the brown sugar from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup or even 3/4 cup.
No matter what swaps and adjustments you make to this recipe, it will still turn out as a soda bread tea cake masterpiece!
Serving and Pairing
The smell of freshly baked Irish soda bread is enough to make your mouth water, but serving it with the right accompaniments can take the experience to the next level. This particular recipe is a cozy tea cake style that makes it perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. The slightly sweet and nutty notes from the wheat germ and rolled oats will balance exquisitely with a little high-quality butter or natural honey – try drizzling some over each slice for an extra special treat.
A popular serving choice is to simply slice up the soda bread loaf and serve it as is without any extra components. The bread’s crumbly texture and subtle flavor profile make it versatile enough to accompany both savory dishes like soups, stews, or curries and sweet dishes like berries, cream, or jams.
For a heartier meal, you could pair this Irish soda bread tea cake style with some creamy roasted garlic soup, which will help bring out the subtle sweetness in the recipe. Alternatively, it would also make an excellent component next to a warm tomato soup or a roasted chicken salad. For dessert, why not make an Irish coffee and serve alongside some delicious pudding or chocolate cake?
In terms of beverages, go for some traditional Irish tea if you have on hand – this rich black tea has dark notes and bursting with flavor that pairs well with any classic soda bread recipes just like this one. To lend some variety to your beverage selection, try out some other hot drink recipes such as brewed coffee, fruit-infused herbal tea, or even that homemade cold lemonade!
However you choose to serve it, this recipe begs to be enjoyed with your loved ones around the table. Don’t hesitate to experiment and create your twists based on whichever ingredients are in season; after all, enjoying freshly baked soda bread tea cake style is all about creating lasting memories!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about Irish Soda Bread Tea Cake is that it stays fresh for a long time. The moistness of the raisins and the density of the bread keep it from drying out quickly. You can make this bread up to three days in advance, store it properly and re-heat it to enjoy that freshly baked flavour anytime.
To make sure your Irish Soda Bread Tea Cake stays fresh, wrap it in some plastic before putting it in an airtight container. Then, place it in the refrigerator or on your counter away from direct sunlight. This bread can last up to five or six days when stored correctly.
When reheating your tea cake, you have two options: oven or toaster. If you’re using an oven, preheat it to 350°F and wrap the bread in aluminum foil before placing it on a baking sheet. Pop it in for about 10 minutes or until warm. Be sure not to overcook it! Another way is to use a toaster or toaster oven if you want a few slices at once or if your craving some crusty edges. lightly toast them directly or pop them dry into a cooked breakfast toastie – with eggs , melted cheese , avocado
I also recommend enjoying your Irish Soda Bread Tea Cake with softened butter or spreading some jam made of ripe berries on top once reheated. It’ll bring out a whole new world of flavours in this delicious tea cake that will leave you feeling like you’re transported to the rolling green hills of Ireland.
Tips for Perfect Results
When baking my Irish soda bread tea cake, there are a few tips that can help you achieve perfect results every time. Here are some recommendations to make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Firstly, I highly recommend using a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven as your baking vessel. These types of pans conduct heat evenly and result in a crisp crust on the bread while keeping the inside moist and tender.
It is also essential to preheat your oven for at least 15 minutes before adding the dough. A hot oven will create a burst of steam in the bread, helping it rise quickly and uniformly.
Using fresh ingredients, especially baking soda and baking powder, is also critical for excellent results. Check expiration dates before using them in your recipe. Old leavening agents will cause the bread not to rise correctly.
When mixing your dry ingredients, be sure not to overmix them. Stir just enough to combine everything evenly, then add your wet ingredients gradually until just incorporated. The mixture will be lumpy but not liquidy.
If you prefer a sweeter bread, adding golden raisins or a bit more brown sugar will lend a caramelized flavor to the finished product.
Lastly, be sure to let the bread cool down completely before slicing it; otherwise, it may crumble or become overly dense.
Following these tips should result in a delicious Irish soda bread tea cake that you can enjoy with a cup of Irish tea or any hot beverage of your choice!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, my Irish Soda Bread Tea Cake recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and heartwarming treat that is perfect for any occasion. With its blend of wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, rolled oats, raisins, and wheat germ, this soda bread will hit the spot with every bite.
Plus, with simple substitutions and variations, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences. Whether you go for the traditional Irish brown bread style or opt for a gluten-free treacle tea cake version, the possibilities are endless.
So why not give this quick and easy recipe a try today? It’s a sure-fire way to impress your loved ones or even indulge in some self-care with a warm slice of sweet bread and a cup of Irish tea. And who knows, it just might become your new go-to recipe for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or any time you crave the comforting taste of home-baked goodness.
My Irish Soda Bread, Tea Cake Style.... Recipe
Ingredients
- vegetable oil cooking spray (greasing agent, etc) or Crisco (greasing agent, etc)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup wheat germ
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 1/4 cups 2% low-fat milk
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease or spray one cookie sheet or two 9-inch cake pans with oil.
- Whisk both flours, wheat germ, sugar, powder, soda, salt and cinnamon together.With your fingers, rub the butter cubes with the dry mixture, until a crumbly mixture forms.
- Form a well in the mixture and add the milk. Stir until the mixture is well blended. Fold in the raisins and rolled oats.
- With floured hands, form small balls of dough using about 1/3 cup of dough. Place on the baking sheet or cake pan and flatten. If using the cake pan, be sure to put enough room in between dough balls, so they do not bake into each other too much.
- Sprinkle all mini-loaves with a bit of sugar and bake for 12-16 minutes, depending on your oven and browning preferences.
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.