Irish Soda Bread with Currants and Apricots - Brunch & Batter (2024)

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This American-style Irish soda bread with currants and apricots is sweeter than its traditional counterpart, thanks to the addition of brown sugar and dried fruit. The brown sugar adds a touch of molasses flavor while the currants and apricots add juicy texture and a bit of tang. Add some butter for the perfect combination and you just won St. Patrick's Day!

Even though this is not an authentic recipe, I tried to incorporate as much Irish wisdom into this bake as possible. I took the advice of a dear friend's father-a cherished accordion-playing Irishman, affectionately known as "Tony", who always made his soda bread with buttermilk and used a cast iron skillet to get that perfect brown crust.

Like many Irish soda bread recipes, Tony used raisins and occasionally caraway seeds, but I like the addition of currants, which are sweet and similar to raisins (more on that below), and the sweet tanginess of apricots. Thanks, Tony, I got it from here!

What is Irish soda bread?

Irish soda bread is a type of quick bread that originated in Ireland. It is a traditional recipe that typically includes four main ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. The reaction between the baking soda and the acidic buttermilk produces carbon dioxide gas, causing the bread to rise without the need for yeast.

Ingredients

Here is what you will need to make this Irish-American soda bread.

• Flour- All-purpose.
• Baking soda- It's what makes this bread rise.
• Salt- Kosher or fine sea salt.
• Brown sugar- Adds some sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor.
• Egg- Adds a little richness to the bread.
• Buttermilk- When mixed with the baking soda, this will cause the bread to rise.
• Butter- Unsalted and very cold.
• Orange juice- For soaking/plumping the dried fruit.
• Currants or raisins- Zante currants, also known as "currants," are small, dried, black Corinth grapes. They have a sweet and tangy flavor, and because they are smaller than their raisin counterparts, they have a more intense flavor. You can easily swap these out for traditional raisins if you prefer.
• Dried apricots
• Butter or jam for serving

See the recipe card for quantities.

Equipment

I bake this soda bread in a 10-inch cast iron skillet. It helps the bottom cook evenly. You can use any round or flat baking pan. You will also need some basic baking tools such as measuring cups, spoons, and mixing bowls. To cut the butter into the flour, I like to use a pastry cutter, but two forks will also do.

Step-by-step directions

Making Irish soda bread is surprisingly easy. Use this step-by-step guide and refer to the expert baking tips to ensure your bread comes out perfect.

1 and 2- Soak the fruit in the orange juice for 10 minutes. Drain the fruit and squeeze out as much juice as you can, then set aside. 3- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. 4- In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar and the egg.

5- Add the buttermilk to the egg mixture and stir to combine. 6- Using a pastry cutter, combine the butter and the flour mixture and mix until the butter resembles the size of peas. 7- Combine the buttermilk and the flour mixture. 8- Add the fruit to the batter and mix until combined.

Dump the dough onto a floured surface and knead a few times until it comes together (the dough will be wet and sticky). Shape it into a round about 7 inches in diameter.

With a sharp knife, score the top with an "x" about ½ inch deep. Place dough onto a parchment-lined baking pan, or skillet. Bake for 50-65 minutes until golden brown and a tester comes out clean.

See Also

Breaking Bread: Etiquette Tips Every Elegant Woman Should Know — Courtney Opalko EtiquetteIrish Soda Bread - Love and LemonsIRISH SODA BREAD RECIPES , FOLKLORE AND FACTS – IL FiorelloSouthern Irish Soda Bread made with Self-Rising Flour - Cheater Chef

Let cook on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Serve warm with butter.

Serving suggestions

1. Butter: This soda bread is best served warm with some salted butter. Serve it with Irish butter for a true Irish indulgence.
2. Fruit: Eat it plain with a cup of your favorite sliced fruit.
3. Cheese: Make a cheese board, and serve the bread alongside a variety of soft and hard cheeses.
4. Soup: This bread makes a great dunking companion for your favorite hearty soup.
5. Sandwiches: Use slices of Irish soda bread to make sandwiches. It works well with both sweet and savory fillings. For example, you can make a sandwich with ham, cheese, and mustard.
6. Toasted or Grilled: Toasted or grilled Irish soda bread adds a new dimension to its flavor and texture. You can toast slices and serve them with various toppings, such as avocado or poached eggs.
7. Irish Breakfast: Serve it with eggs, bacon, sausage, and other breakfast items.
8. Holiday Celebrations: During St. Patrick's Day, Irish soda bread is often part of festive meals. It can be served alongside other traditional dishes, such as corned beef and cabbage.

Storage and make ahead

Allow the bread to cool, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can also freeze soda bread for up to 3 months.

FAQ

Food inspirations

Try my other recipes inspired by international flavors.

Did you make this recipe? I would love to hear about it! Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating with a comment right below the recipe card. If you snapped a photo of your creation, don't forget to tag me on Instagram @brunchandbatter.

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