Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table. Our Cranberry Walnut Irish Soda Bread is not just any bread; it’s a delightful twist on a classic that combines the tartness of cranberries with the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a side to your favorite soup, this easy-to-follow recipe will have you whipping up a gorgeous loaf in just under an hour. Ready to impress your family and friends with your baking skills? Let’s dive into the delicious world of Irish soda bread!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Iris
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Ensure the dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Shape the dough into a round loaf, about 6-7 inches in diameter.
- Transfer the shaped loaf to the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross (about 1/2 inch deep) on the top of the loaf. This helps the bread cook evenly and allows steam to escape.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The bread is done when it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the interior to set.
- Serve warm with butter, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise. Old baking soda can lead to dense bread.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can make the bread tough.
- Shape it Gently: When kneading the dough, be gentle. You want to keep the texture light and airy for that perfect soda bread crumb.
- Score Deeply: The cross you cut on top of the loaf is not just decorative; it helps the bread cook evenly and allows steam to escape, preventing a soggy bottom.
- Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps the texture set and makes for cleaner slices.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your bread by adding other ingredients like orange zest, chocolate chips, or different nuts for a unique twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
