Maple Irish Soda Bread

Making Maple Irish Soda Bread is a delightful way to bring a warm, inviting aroma into your kitchen. The sweet maple flavor combined with the traditional Irish soda bread creates a unique and comforting experience. This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a charming afternoon tea, or a delightful addition to your dinner table. Let’s dive into this fantastic baking adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Maple Irish Soda Bread Recipe

You will adore this Maple Irish Soda Bread recipe! It’s not only simple to make but also incredibly tasty. The bread is moist and tender, with a lovely hint of sweetness from the maple extract. Plus, the plump raisins add a burst of flavor that complements the bread perfectly. This recipe is designed for everyone—whether you’re just starting in the kitchen or you’re a seasoned baker. You’ll find joy in the process and satisfaction in the delicious results!

The Perfect Blend of Flavors and Textures

Imagine biting into a slice of warm Maple Irish Soda Bread. The soft, tender bread melts in your mouth, while the sweet maple flavor dances on your taste buds. Those little raisins bring a touch of natural sweetness that makes every bite exciting. This bread has a wonderful texture, and the combination of flavors makes it a true delight. You can easily see why this recipe becomes a favorite for so many.

A Simple and Quick Baking Adventure

One of the best things about this Maple Irish Soda Bread is how quick and easy it is to prepare. There’s no kneading or long waiting time required. In just about an hour, you can have fresh bread right out of the oven! This makes it perfect for busy mornings or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Maple Irish Soda Bread:

• ½ cup (80g) raisins
• ½ cup (120 ml) hot or boiling water (or bourbon)
• 1 Tablespoon (12g) brown sugar
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour plus 1-2 Tablespoons more for handling
• 3 Tablespoons (36g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) buttermilk
• 1 large egg yolk
• 3 Tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into half-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing Your Homemade Buttermilk

Create a Buttermilk Substitute

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t worry! You can make your own. Just add two teaspoons of white vinegar to a measuring cup. Then, pour in milk of your choice until you reach the ⅔-cup line. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes before using. This easy substitute will work perfectly in your recipe.

Infusing Flavor into Your Raisins

Soak the Raisins

To enhance the flavor of your raisins, start by soaking them. In a heat-safe cup or bowl, add your raisins. Pour hot water or bourbon over them. Stir in the brown sugar until it’s fully dissolved. Let the raisins sit while you prepare the other ingredients. This step makes them plump and full of flavor, adding even more joy to your bread!

Mixing Dry Ingredients

Combine Flour, Sugar, and Leavening Agents

Before you begin mixing, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease an 8-inch cast iron skillet or baking pan, or line it with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt for one minute. This will ensure that everything is evenly mixed and ready to combine with the wet ingredients.

Preparing Wet Ingredients

Whisk Together Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl or a large measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk, egg yolk, maple extract, and vanilla extract until combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy. This will add a lovely richness and flavor to your bread.

Incorporating Butter

Cut in Chilled Butter

Next, it’s time to add the chilled butter. Add the cold butter pieces to your dry ingredient mixture. Using a pastry blender or your hands, cut the butter in until it resembles pea-sized crumbs. This step is crucial, as it helps create a flaky texture in the final bread.

Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures

Forming the Dough

Now, you’re ready to combine your mixtures! Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the wet ingredients. Don’t forget to drain your raisins and add them to the mix. Gently combine the ingredients with a spatula until the dough forms a rough ball. It’s important not to overmix at this stage; you want to keep that wonderful soft texture.

Shaping the Dough

Preparing for Baking

The dough will be a bit wet and sticky. This is normal! If it’s too sticky to handle, sprinkle in a little extra flour as needed. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Once shaped, transfer it to your prepared skillet or baking pan. With a sharp knife, slice a half-inch deep “X” into the top of the dough. This not only looks pretty but also helps the bread bake evenly.

Baking the Bread

Bake Until Golden Brown

It’s time for the magic to happen! Place your skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The bread should turn a beautiful golden brown, and you can test its doneness by inserting a toothpick or tester into the center. It should come out clean, and the internal temperature should reach around 205°F. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Cooling and Serving

Let the Bread Rest

Once your bread is done baking, allow it to rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set up nicely. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own, or you can slather it with butter or your favorite jam.

Tips For Success

• Use chilled butter: For the best texture, make sure your butter is cold before cutting it into the flour mixture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: This can lead to tough bread. Gently combine until just mixed.

Proper Storage

To keep your Maple Irish Soda Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Just slice it up first, and you can grab a piece whenever you want!

Variations

Feel free to get creative! You can add chopped nuts or swap the raisins for cranberries for a different flavor twist. Each variation brings its unique charm to the bread!

Pairing Ideas

This Maple Irish Soda Bread pairs beautifully with a variety of options. Enjoy it with butter and jam for a sweet breakfast treat. It also makes a great side for your favorite soup or salad. No matter how you serve it, it’s sure to be a hit!

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can! Just follow the DIY buttermilk substitute instructions above.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.

How do I know when the bread is done?

The top should be golden brown, and the bread will sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

No problem! You can use any baking pan; just be sure it is greased or lined to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Making Maple Irish Soda Bread is a simple and rewarding baking experience. With its sweet flavor and easy preparation, this recipe will inspire you to create a delightful treat that your friends and family will love! So gather your ingredients and get ready for a fun and delicious baking adventure. You won’t regret it!

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Maple Irish Soda Bread

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Maple Irish Soda Bread is a quick, easy-to-make bread that combines sweet maple flavor with tender textures and plump raisins, ideal for any meal.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ cup (80g) raisins
• ½ cup (120 ml) hot or boiling water (or bourbon)
• 1 Tablespoon (12g) brown sugar
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour plus 1-2 Tablespoons more for handling
• 3 Tablespoons (36g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) buttermilk
• 1 large egg yolk
• 3 Tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into half-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and grease an 8-inch skillet.
• Soak raisins in hot water or bourbon with brown sugar until plump.
• Mix dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
• Whisk wet ingredients: buttermilk, egg yolk, maple extract, and vanilla.
• Cut in chilled butter until crumbly.
• Combine wet and dry mixtures, then add drained raisins.
• Shape dough into a round loaf, score an 'X' on top.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
• Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

Use chilled butter for the best texture.
Don’t overmix the dough to avoid tough bread.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Author: Rachael
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg