Delightfully tender and slightly sweet, Sweet Irish Bread is a modern twist on a traditional Irish classic. Infused with bursts of juicy raisins or currants and a hint of vanilla, this quick bread boasts a golden crust and a moist, flavorful crumb. Made with basic pantry staples like all-purpose flour, buttermilk, and a touch of sugar, it’s a simple yet irresistible treat that requires minimal prep time—ready to bake in just 15 minutes! Perfect for breakfast, teatime, or as a cozy snack, this charming loaf is baked to perfection in a cast-iron skillet or round cake pan, making it an easy and fuss-free recipe. Slice it warm and enjoy with a smear of butter for a comforting bite that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving homemade goodness, this Sweet Irish Bread is a must-try!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or cast-iron skillet and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until evenly combined.
Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the raisins or currants until evenly distributed.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into the well. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 1 minute, just until it comes together. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too sticky, add a small amount of flour.
Shape the dough into a round loaf and transfer it to the prepared pan or skillet. Using a sharp knife, cut a 1/2-inch deep 'X' into the top of the loaf.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Calories |
3204 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.8 g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.6 g | 53% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 233 mg | 78% | |
| Sodium | 5071 mg | 220% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 682.3 g | 248% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.9 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 264.8 g | ||
| Protein | 77.0 g | 154% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.6 mcg | 33% | |
| Calcium | 705 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 27.8 mg | 154% | |
| Potassium | 2967 mg | 63% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.