Discover the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked Aran Spiosrai Irish Spice Bread wafting through your kitchen! This delightful loaf is not just a treat for the senses; it’s a journey into the heart of Irish culinary tradition. With its perfect blend of spices and the sweetness of raisins and currants, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or served alongside a hearty meal, every slice promises to deliver comfort and nostalgia. Ready to impress your family and friends? Dive into this simple yet exquisite recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup currants
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.
- Add the brown sugar to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly, breaking up any sugar clumps with a whisk or fork.
- Fold in the raisins and currants, coating them lightly with the flour mixture to prevent them from sinking during baking.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk and melted butter.
- Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together using a wooden spoon or spatula. Stir until just combined - do not overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean with no wet batter.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. The bread can be enjoyed plain or with a spread of butter.
Tips
- Prep Your Ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients before you start mixing. This ensures a smooth cooking process and helps you avoid any last-minute scrambles.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour and spices not only combines them well but also aerates the mixture, resulting in a lighter, fluffier bread.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If not, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its shape and prevents sogginess.
- Enjoy with Toppings: While delicious on its own, try spreading a bit of butter or cream cheese on your slices for an extra treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
