Delicious & Easy Irish Soda Bread Muffins: Moist Buttermilk & Raisin Delights
Every year, as March approaches, a familiar feeling of “homesickness” washes over me, specifically for the enchanting landscapes and warm memories of Ireland. It’s hard to believe that it was back in 2007 when I spent four incredible months studying abroad in Limerick. That period marked so many firsts for me, including my initial foray into cooking for myself – a journey that eventually blossomed into this very blog.
I often find myself longing for those peaceful mornings, walking to campus through what felt like a magical tunnel of ancient green trees, where tranquility enveloped every step. I miss the simple joy of exploring the abandoned castle near campus, spending entire afternoons lost in its history and charm. Even the seemingly mundane, like the 20-30 minute walk to the grocery store, holds a nostalgic appeal. If there’s one regret from that time, it’s not capturing more of those small, intricate details through photographs.
Someday, I dream of returning, renting a car, and truly venturing into every corner of the Emerald Isle. Though I anticipate a humorous challenge navigating the left side of the road with the driver’s seat on the right – a delightful quirk I’m eager to re-experience!
To keep those cherished Irish memories alive, I often turn to Irish-inspired cuisine. While these Irish Soda Bread Muffins are a slightly modern interpretation, deviating a bit from my more traditional mini Irish soda bread, they still capture the spirit beautifully. They are a fantastic way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or simply to indulge in a comforting taste of Ireland, all while making good use of any leftover buttermilk you might have in your fridge.
Why You’ll Love These Irish Soda Bread Muffins
Unlike classic Irish soda bread, which typically sticks to just four main ingredients (or five if you count raisins as a common addition), these muffins embrace a few extra components to create something truly special. They are essentially a delightful fusion: rich buttermilk muffins generously studded with plump raisins, offering a more indulgent and moist experience than their traditional loaf counterpart.
Baking Irish soda bread in muffin tins offers several distinct advantages. Firstly, it makes them incredibly easy to share – perfect for a gathering or a thoughtful gift. Secondly, they’re wonderfully portable, ideal for a grab-and-go breakfast or a snack. And if you’re thinking ahead, these muffins freeze beautifully, making future breakfasts or treats incredibly convenient.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect for many is their texture: these muffins are significantly moister than traditional soda bread. While authentic soda bread is cherished for its rustic simplicity, its limited ingredient list can sometimes result in a slightly drier crumb. Our muffin version ensures a tender, rich texture that truly melts in your mouth, often eliminating the need for butter when serving. Whether you’re a purist who appreciates tradition or someone open to delicious interpretations, I believe you’ll find these muffins utterly irresistible.
What is Traditional Irish Soda Bread?
At its heart, Irish Soda Bread is a remarkable quick bread that relies on baking soda as its sole leavening agent, rather than yeast. Its simplicity is part of its charm, traditionally made with just four core ingredients:
- All-purpose Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Buttermilk
The magic happens when the acidic buttermilk reacts with the alkaline baking soda, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that give the bread its rise and signature texture. It’s a testament to resourceful baking, using readily available ingredients.
How Our Muffins Differ from the Classic
As you’ll notice in our recipe, these Irish Soda Bread Muffins introduce a few “non-traditional” elements: sugar for sweetness, an egg for richness and binding, and both butter and vegetable oil for enhanced moisture and flavor. Even the beloved raisins, which I adore adding, aren’t strictly part of the original four-ingredient tradition, though they are a very common and popular addition in many modern versions of Irish soda bread.
While these additions make our recipe a modern take, they still pay a heartfelt homage to their Irish origin. The result is a muffin that’s inherently moister and more tender than its rustic inspiration, meaning you can enjoy them without needing any extra butter for serving – though a dollop of jam or a spread of Irish butter certainly wouldn’t hurt!
Common Questions About Irish Soda Bread Muffins
Can you make Irish soda bread muffins without raisins?
Absolutely! If raisins aren’t to your taste or you simply don’t have any on hand, you can easily omit them from the recipe. The muffins will still be incredibly delicious and moist. However, if you enjoy dried fruit, feel free to experiment with other options like currants or dried cranberries for a different twist.
Can you substitute milk for buttermilk in this recipe?
Irish soda bread, and by extension these muffins, traditionally call for buttermilk for a very good reason. Buttermilk not only provides the essential acidity needed to activate the baking soda for leavening, but it also contributes a unique tangy flavor and tender crumb that is characteristic of this quick bread. For the best flavor and texture, I highly recommend sticking with genuine buttermilk. Most grocery stores carry pints of buttermilk, which is perfect for small batch baking like this recipe.
After you’ve made these delicious muffins, don’t let any leftover buttermilk go to waste! Check out my other fantastic recipes for using leftover buttermilk to inspire your next baking adventure.
However, if you find yourself in a pinch and don’t have buttermilk, you can create a reasonable substitute. Simply combine an equal amount of whole milk with either a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles. This “soured milk” will provide the necessary acid to react with the baking soda. Remember, this acidic component is crucial for the leavening process, so never skip it!
How To Make Irish Soda Bread Muffins: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these Irish Soda Bread Muffins is wonderfully straightforward, requiring minimal fuss and no special equipment. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Begin by whisking together all the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda – in a large mixing bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed before the wet ingredients are added.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl or a large measuring cup, beat together the egg yolk, buttermilk, melted butter, and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix everything gently with a spoon until just moistened. The key here is not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will lead to a more tender muffin. Fold in your plumped raisins at this stage.
- Fill Muffin Pan: Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about three-fourths full. For an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish, sprinkle the tops with a little extra sugar before baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Because the fat is liquid in this recipe, you don’t even need a fancy mixer – a simple spoon will do the trick! As this is a small batch recipe, it yields 6 delicious muffins, leaving you with an extra egg white. Don’t worry, nothing goes to waste! Learn what to do with egg whites with my collection of recipes. I particularly recommend trying my delightful small batch flourless chocolate cookies for another sweet treat.
Storing and Freezing Your Irish Soda Bread Muffins
These buttermilk muffins are not only delicious but also incredibly convenient when it comes to storage:
How To Store Irish Soda Bread Muffins
Unlike traditional soda bread which is best enjoyed fresh, these muffins maintain their wonderful moisture and flavor for longer. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This makes them perfect for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week.
How To Freeze Irish Soda Bread Muffins
Even though this is a small batch recipe, you can easily extend their life by freezing any extras. This is a fantastic way to ensure you always have a delicious homemade treat on hand. Simply wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe plastic bag. They will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave or oven.
What To Serve With Irish Soda Bread Muffins
These versatile muffins are a fantastic addition to any meal, particularly when celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. While they are delightful on their own, served warm with a cup of tea or coffee, they also perfectly complement a hearty Irish-themed spread. Consider serving them alongside these traditional and comforting Irish recipes:
- Guinness Shepherd’s Pie: A rich and savory classic that these muffins would brilliantly accompany.
- Stove Top Corned Beef and Cabbage: The slight sweetness of the muffins balances the savory notes of this iconic dish.
- Stovetop Guinness Beef Stew: Dip these tender muffins into a robust, flavorful stew for a truly satisfying experience.
- Chocolate Stout Cake: For a full Irish feast, follow up your savory meal with this decadent dessert.
They also make a wonderful addition to a brunch spread or simply as a comforting snack any time of day. Their moist texture means they pair wonderfully with a simple cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk.
Irish Soda Bread Muffins (Small Batch)
6 muffins
20 minutes
15 minutes
35 minutes
These Irish Soda Bread Muffins are moist buttermilk muffins with raisins – a delightful nod to Ireland and a perfect way to use up leftover buttermilk. Bake them for St. Patrick’s Day or any day you crave a taste of comforting tradition!
Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup + 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup raisins, plumped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F (200°C). Grease 6 cups in a 12-cup muffin pan or line with 6 paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- In a large measuring cup or bowl, beat together the egg yolk, buttermilk, melted butter, and oil.
- By hand with a spoon, gradually stir the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture until just moistened. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine. Stir in the plumped and drained raisins.
- Fill each muffin cup about three-fourths full. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon sugar for a sweet crust.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the muffin pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
To plump raisins:
- Place raisins in a small bowl. Pour hot water over the top until the raisins are completely submerged. Let them sit for 5 minutes or until visibly plumped. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with a paper towel before incorporating them into the batter. This step ensures the raisins are juicy and prevents them from drying out in the oven.
Notes
- Complete your Irish-themed meal by serving these delicious muffins alongside Stove Top Corned Beef and Cabbage or a hearty Guinness Shepherd’s Pie.
- Looking for a more traditional Irish Soda Bread experience? Be sure to check out my authentic Mini Irish Soda Bread recipe.
- Don’t know what to do with your leftover egg white from this recipe? Explore my collection of recipes specifically for leftover egg whites, including delectable meringues and cookies!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Cupcake Pan
- Paper Liners
Did you make this recipe?
Let me know what you think! Rate the recipe above, leave a comment below, and/or share a photo on Instagram using #HITKrecipes
Source: Adapted from Taste Of Home
Originally published March 3, 2014