Irish Soda Bread Muffins (Print Version)
Tender, lightly sweet muffins with currants and caraway seeds inspired by traditional Irish baking.
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
03 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
→ Wet Ingredients
08 - 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
09 - 1 large egg
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
→ Add-ins
11 - 3/4 cup dried currants, tossed with 1 tablespoon flour
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly with butter.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and caraway seeds until evenly blended.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until fully combined and smooth.
04 - Toss dried currants with 1 tablespoon flour in a small bowl, coating evenly to prevent sinking during baking.
05 - Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula just until flour disappears—do not overmix.
06 - Add floured currants to batter and fold in gently until evenly distributed throughout.
07 - Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full.
08 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
09 - Let muffins cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- They come together in fifteen minutes flat with almost zero effort
- The buttermilk keeps them incredibly tender for days, unlike traditional soda bread that can dry out quickly
- That subtle caraway undertone makes them feel special enough for guests but simple enough for Tuesday breakfast
02 -
- Overmixing is the enemy, as soon as the flour disappears stop folding, even if it looks slightly uneven
- Room temperature ingredients make a noticeable difference in how evenly everything combines
- These freeze exceptionally well, so double the batch and thank yourself later
03 -
- Use a light touch when measuring flour, spooning it into the measuring cup rather than dipping directly
- Invest in an oven thermometer, temperature accuracy makes a huge difference with quick breads