Irish Sweet Bread

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Servings: 2 Difficulty: Intermediate
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A rich, molasses-spiced quick bread studded with raisins and candied citrus, perfect for breakfast or tea.
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This traditional Irish Sweet Bread is a comforting, dense quick bread that relies on molasses and buttermilk for its deep, warm flavor profile. Unlike yeast-leavened loaves, this batter rises quickly with baking soda, making it an ideal weekend baking project. The combination of chopped raisins, currants, and candied lemon rind provides bursts of sweetness and chewy texture in every bite. It has a tender crumb and a glossy crust, reminiscent of holiday fruitcakes but lighter and more suitable for everyday enjoyment. Serve slices warm from the oven with a pat of butter or alongside a cup of strong tea. This loaf keeps well, making it a wonderful treat for picnics, brunches, or as a gift for fellow baking enthusiasts.

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Irish Sweet Bread

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 2 Calories: 250

Description

This traditional Irish Sweet Bread is a comforting, dense quick bread that relies on molasses and buttermilk for its deep, warm flavor profile. Unlike yeast-leavened loaves, this batter rises quickly with baking soda, making it an ideal weekend baking project. The combination of chopped raisins, currants, and candied lemon rind provides bursts of sweetness and chewy texture in every bite. It has a tender crumb and a glossy crust, reminiscent of holiday fruitcakes but lighter and more suitable for everyday enjoyment. Serve slices warm from the oven with a pat of butter or alongside a cup of strong tea. This loaf keeps well, making it a wonderful treat for picnics, brunches, or as a gift for fellow baking enthusiasts.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325F (165C).
  2. Grease two 8x4-inch loaf pans with shortening or butter and line the bottoms with parchment paper if desired.
  3. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, cream together the shortening, sugar, and molasses until well combined.
  5. Beat the eggs into the shortening mixture until smooth.
  6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the sour milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  7. Gently fold in the raisins, currants, and chopped citron or candied lemon rind.
  8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans.
  9. Bake for 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.
  10. Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Amount Per Serving
Calories 250kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10g16%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 40mg14%
Sodium 350mg15%
Total Carbohydrate 38g13%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 18g
Protein 5g10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: irish, sweet bread, molasses, raisins, currants, candied lemon, citron, buttermilk, quick bread, fruit bread, breakfast, tea time, baking, homemade, traditional, comfort food, loaf, vegetarian, easy baking, weekend baking
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