Irish Soda Bread Muffins (Printable version)
Tender muffins with golden crust and soft center, inspired by traditional Irish soda bread. Ready in 35 minutes.
# What you'll need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup whole wheat flour
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/2 cup raisins or currants
08 - 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
→ Wet Ingredients
09 - 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
11 - 1 large egg
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, raisins or currants, and caraway seeds until evenly distributed.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg until well combined and smooth.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix to maintain tender texture.
05 - Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full to allow for proper rising.
06 - Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The muffins come together in under 40 minutes from start to finish, perfect for unexpected guests or sudden bread cravings
- That signature soda bread texture—crackly outside, tender within—adapted into handheld form for easier eating
02 -
- Overmixing creates tough, dense muffins—the moment you see no dry streaks, stop folding even if the batter looks uneven
- Room temperature buttermilk helps the ingredients incorporate more smoothly, so set it out while you gather everything else
03 -
- If you don't have buttermilk, measure 1 1/4 cups regular milk and add 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice, let sit for 10 minutes
- Brush the tops with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven for extra shine and flavor