Irish Soda Bread Muffins

Rainy Saturday mornings in college meant these muffins baking while my roommate and I studied for midterms. The whole apartment would smell like warm raisins and butter, making concentration impossible until we could finally pull them from the oven.

I made these for a St. Patricks Day brunch last year and my Irish neighbors actually asked for the recipe. Thats when I knew these little muffins were something special, bridging the gap between traditional soda bread and something you can grab on your way out the door.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the muffin, providing structure while keeping things tender
• Whole wheat flour: Adds a lovely nutty flavor and hints at the rustic nature of traditional soda bread
• Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to make these feel like a treat without being cloying
• Baking soda and powder: The leavening duo that gives these their signature rise and tender crumb
• Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness
• Buttermilk: The secret ingredient that keeps these incredibly moist and adds a subtle tang
• Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, it coats the flour particles for a tender texture
• Large egg: Adds richness and helps bind everything together
• Golden raisins: Sweeter and more delicate than regular raisins, they plump beautifully as they bake
• Orange zest: Optional but recommended, it brightens the whole flavor profile
• Demerara sugar: Creates a lovely crunchy top that contrasts perfectly with the tender crumb

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 375°F and line your muffin tin with papers or give each cup a quick butter rub

Whisk the dry team:

Combine both flours, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl until theyre one happy family

Mix the wet squad:

In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, and egg until completely smooth

Bring them together:

Pour wet into dry and fold gently with your spatula, stopping the second you no longer see dry streaks

Add the treasures:

Fold in golden raisins and orange zest if you are using it, distributing them evenly throughout

Fill and finish:

Divide batter among your 12 cups and sprinkle tops with that crunchy demerara sugar

Bake to golden:

Slide into the oven for 16 to 18 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and tops are lightly golden

Cool patiently:

Let them rest in the tin for 5 minutes before moving to a rack to cool completely

Save

My daughter now requests these for her school birthday treat instead of cupcakes. Her classmates actually cheered when she brought them in, which I consider the highest compliment a muffin can receive.

Making Them Your Own

I have swapped golden raisins for dried cranberries during fall and they become instant Thanksgiving material. Sometimes I add caraway seeds for a more traditional Irish soda bread flavor profile that takes me right back to a tiny bakery in Dublin.

Storage Secrets

These freeze beautifully and actually taste pretty great warmed up straight from frozen. I keep a stash in the freezer for emergency breakfast moments or unexpected guests who need something warm and welcoming.

Serving Suggestions

Warm with salted butter melting into all those little crevices is my absolute favorite way to eat them. They are also perfect split and toasted with a bit of honey or your favorite jam for an afternoon pick me up.

• Try them with a sharp cheddar and apple slices for a savory spin
• Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a surprisingly good dessert
• Serve alongside a hearty stew instead of traditional soda bread

Save

There is something so comforting about having warm muffins ready without the fuss of yeast doughs or complicated techniques. These little guys deliver all the comfort of homemade bread with barely any effort at all.

Recipe Q&A

→ What ingredients give the muffins their tender texture?

The combination of buttermilk and a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flours contributes to the tender and moist crumb of these muffins.

→ Can I substitute golden raisins with other dried fruits?

Yes, golden raisins can be swapped for regular raisins, currants, or other dried fruits to suit your taste.

→ What purpose does the baking soda and baking powder serve?

Both leavening agents help the muffins rise properly, providing a light and airy texture.

→ Is orange zest necessary in this preparation?

Orange zest is optional. It adds a bright citrus aroma and flavor, enhancing the muffins without overpowering.

→ How do I know when the muffins are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the muffins are done with lightly golden tops.