Irish Soda Muffins Recipe

Irish soda muffins are a simple alternative to the traditional loaf most people are used to eating around St. Patrick’s Day. A cross between a scone and a muffin, this treat has a firm bite and works for any meal of the day.

Irish Soda Muffins Recipe

My mother-in-law makes her Irish Soda Bread recipe a bit non-traditionally. She adds more sugar and more raisins to the mix making it taste more like a dessert than anything else. These Irish Soda Bread Muffins will not be as sweet. Expect a simpler bite that can be topped with spreadable butter or your favorite jam.

Serve this dish alongside a hearty helping of slow cooker corned beef and cabbage or enjoy them with a nice cup of coffee as a breakfast treat. Up to you!

Ingredients

• 2-1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup raisins
• 3 teaspoons coarse sugar

Directions: 

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 and grease a 12 cup regular size muffin tin. 

Step 2: Add flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and caraway seeds to a mixing bowl. Mix well. 

Step 3: In a smaller bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, butter, and oil and mix well. Pour wet ingredients into the dry just until combined. Fold in raisins. 

Step 4: Fill each cup in the muffin tin 3/4 of the way full. Sprinkle tops with coarse sugar.

Step 5: Bake for 13-16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan until warm. Serve warm. 

This recipe makes 12 muffins. 

FAQs

1. What makes Irish Soda Bread Muffins different from traditional Irish Soda Bread?
   • Irish Soda Bread Muffins are a variation of the traditional bread, transformed into individual-sized portions in muffin form. The ingredients are similar, but the muffins may include additional ingredients like raisins or currants.
2. Can I make Irish Soda Bread Muffins without buttermilk?
   • Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice. Add one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
3. What variations can I add to Irish Soda Bread Muffins?
   • You can add raisins, currants, chopped nuts, or even orange zest for added flavor. Some people also like to include caraway seeds for a traditional touch.
4. Can I make Irish Soda Bread Muffins gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Additionally, ensure that other ingredients like baking soda are also gluten-free.
5. How do I store Irish Soda Bread Muffins?
   • Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for a few months. Thaw frozen muffins at room temperature.
6. Can I make Irish Soda Bread Muffins ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Bake the muffins in the morning for a fresh breakfast.
7. Why did my Irish Soda Bread Muffins turn out too dense?
   • Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can lead to dense muffins. Mix the ingredients until just combined and be mindful of the flour measurements.
8. How do I achieve a golden crust on my Irish Soda Bread Muffins?
   • Brushing the muffin tops with melted butter before baking can help achieve a golden crust.
9. Can I make Irish Soda Bread Muffins without sugar?
   • While traditional Irish Soda Bread doesn’t contain sugar, adding a small amount (around 2-3 tablespoons) can enhance the flavor of the muffins without making them overly sweet. It’s optional and depends on personal preference.

Tips and Variations

• If you don’t have buttermilk, you could substitue 1 cup of plain yogurt in a pinch.
• If you are looking for a little more sweetness, add more raisins to your mix.
• Double your batch and freeze some for later use. Store in an airtight container.
• Don’t overmix.

Once you make these Irish soda bread in muffin tins, be sure to check out some of my other St. Patrick’s Day recipes. Perfect for the entire month of March! Lots of luck guaranteed with every bite.

• Irish Nachos Recipe
• Crock Pot Beef With Noodles Recipe
• Jolly Rancher Shamrock Cookie Recipe
• Lucky Charms Treats Recipe
• St. Patrick’s Day Jello Poke Cake