Name: Fruit Soda Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 500 g (4 cups + 2 tbsp) plain (all-purpose) flour, plus extra for sprinkling the baking sheet; 100 g (1/2 cup) caster sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 200 g (1 cup) juicy raisins or other dried fruit; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 250 ml (1 cup + 2 tsp) buttermilk; 50 g (3 tbsp + 1 tsp) melted butter, just melted (not boiling hot)

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If you are on the lookout for a comforting, rustic bread that brightens up your breakfast or tea time, this Fruit Soda Bread Recipe is just the ticket. It masterfully blends the simple richness of traditional soda bread with the sweet juiciness of raisins, creating a loaf that’s wonderfully tender, lightly sweet, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this recipe invites you into a world of easy, no-fuss baking that doesn’t compromise on flavor or charm. Once you try this delightful Fruit Soda Bread Recipe, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a wooden table. At the top right is a large white bowl filled with white flour. To its left is a medium white bowl filled with granulated white sugar. Below the sugar is a small white plate holding three white powders in separate small piles. Below the plate is a small white bowl filled with yellow melted butter or oil. To the right of the butter is a metal bowl with dark brown raisins inside. Next to the raisins is a glass jar filled with white yogurt or cream. Finally, at the top left, there are two brown eggs placed directly on the wooden table. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Fruit Soda Bread Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and sweetness. Every component is simple yet vital, coming together harmoniously to give you a moist, fluffy bread with a golden crust and pockets of fruity goodness.

500 g plain (all-purpose) flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure and softness; a little extra flour is used to dust the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
100 g caster sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness, balancing the tartness of the dried fruit perfectly.
2 tsp baking powder: Helps the bread rise nicely for a light, airy crumb.
1 tsp baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to ensure that tender, soft texture soda bread is known for.
200 g juicy raisins (or other dried fruit): The star ingredient that infuses the bread with bursts of natural sweetness and texture.
1/4 tsp salt: Elevates all the other flavors, preventing the bread from tasting flat.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding richness and a wonderful golden color.
250 ml buttermilk: Provides moisture and a subtle tang that works beautifully with the dried fruits.
50 g melted butter: Just melted to avoid scrambling the eggs; adds lusciousness and flavor to the dough.

How to Make Fruit Soda Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 175C/350F with the fan on. Then, grab a baking sheet and sprinkle it lightly with flour. This little prep step ensures your lovely fruit soda bread lifts off easily once baked without sticking or breaking apart.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the plain flour, caster sugar, baking powder, baking soda, raisins, and salt until evenly mixed. This dry mix is the foundation of your bread’s texture and sweetness, so mixing well at this point ensures each bite has a balanced flavor and consistent crumb.

Step 3: Make Your Wet Mix

Break your eggs into a cup and give them a gentle whisk with a fork. Pour all but one tablespoon of the beaten eggs into another bowl, then stir in the buttermilk and melted butter. This wet mixture enriches the dough and helps activate the rising agents for a soft bread that’s not too dense.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry mix. Stir just enough to bring everything together into a sticky dough. Use a wooden spoon or your hands — just be ready for a bit of tackiness! Remember, avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and soft rather than tough.

Step 5: Shape and Score

Form the sticky dough into a rough ball or cob shape and place it carefully on your floured baking sheet. Take a sharp knife and slice a large cross about an inch deep into the top of the loaf. This traditional scoring isn’t just decorative — it helps heat penetrate evenly during baking.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the loaf all over with the reserved tablespoon of beaten egg using a pastry brush. This egg wash will give your fruit soda bread a beautiful shiny, golden crust. Bake in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes until the bread turns a rich golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

How to Serve Fruit Soda Bread Recipe

A round, rustic loaf of golden brown bread with a rough, uneven surface studded with dark raisins baked into it, showing a crusty texture with cracks and folds. The bread sits on a dark wooden board with a black cloth partially underneath. Next to it is a small black dish filled with thick, pale yellow slices of butter, placed near the top right corner. A long silver knife with a pale yellow handle rests diagonally above the bread on the wooden surface. The background is changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your serving, a simple swipe of butter—salted or honey-infused—is divine, melting into every crevice of the bread. For a special touch, sprinkle with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a smear of clotted cream to complement the subtle sweetness of the raisins.

Side Dishes

This Fruit Soda Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory sides. Think fresh fruit preserves, sharp cheddar cheese, or even a hearty bowl of soup for a cozy lunch. Its versatility makes it ideal from breakfast through to dinner occasions.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread thick and toast it lightly, then top with creamy ricotta and drizzled honey for an elegant snack. You can also cut it into cubes and serve as part of a bread basket alongside a cheese board. It’s a beautiful rustic addition to any casual gathering or tea party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover fruit soda bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it soft and fresh. It will keep well at room temperature for up to two days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Slice it before freezing so you can defrost just what you need. Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in foil or a freezer bag and store for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a quick, delicious snack.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth and softness, reheat slices in a toaster or oven at 160C/320F for 5 to 10 minutes. Adding a dab of butter while warm makes each bite melt with flavor. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the bread chewy.

FAQs

Can I use other dried fruits instead of raisins?

Absolutely! This Fruit Soda Bread Recipe is very flexible. You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or apricots. Just be sure to chop larger fruits into smaller pieces to prevent uneven baking.

What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?

No problem! To mimic buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then use it as a substitute in this recipe. It adds the necessary tanginess to activate the baking soda.

Why is the cross scored on top of the loaf?

Scoring the bread allows heat to penetrate evenly during baking, and helps the bread rise properly. It also gives the loaf its traditional look, making it instantly recognizable as soda bread.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown crust and a hollow sound when you tap the bottom of the bread. If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 95C (205F) when fully baked.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the buttermilk with a mix of plant-based milk and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar, and replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or oil. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and joyful about baking a loaf of fruity, tender soda bread with your own hands. This Fruit Soda Bread Recipe is a true keeper for its ease, taste, and rustic charm. I encourage you to give it a go and experience the warmth and deliciousness it brings to your table. Once you do, I’m sure it will find a permanent place in your recipe collection just like it has in mine.