Irish Soda Muffins with Raisins

There's something deeply comforting about the warm, rustic aroma of Irish soda bread wafting through your kitchen. These Irish Soda Bread Muffins capture all the beloved flavors of the traditional loaf—tender crumb, hearty oats, and sweet raisins—in a perfectly portioned, grab-and-go format. Whether you're rushing out the door on a busy weekday morning or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these wholesome muffins bring a taste of Ireland to your table. With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you'll have a batch of golden, fragrant muffins that are as satisfying to make as they are to eat.

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The beauty of Irish soda bread lies in its simplicity. Unlike yeast breads that require kneading and rising time, these muffins rely on the quick chemical reaction between buttermilk and baking soda to create their tender, slightly crumbly texture. The addition of rolled oats not only adds wonderful texture and visual appeal, but also boosts the nutritional value with fiber and whole grains. Sweet, plump raisins are scattered throughout, providing bursts of natural sweetness in every bite. This recipe honors the heritage of Irish baking while adapting it to our modern, fast-paced lives.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (90 g) old-fashioned rolled oats, plus extra for topping
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (110 g) raisins
• 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the oven and muffin tin

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with butter.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Add the raisins

Stir in raisins until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Mix wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Fill muffin cups

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Sprinkle a few extra oats on top for garnish.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

The key to tender, fluffy muffins is to avoid overmixing the batter. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until you no longer see dry flour—a few lumps are perfectly fine and will disappear during baking. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough, dense muffins. Make sure your melted butter has cooled slightly before adding it to the wet ingredients to prevent cooking the egg. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. For the best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats or steel-cut oats.

Varianten und Anpassungen

While this recipe is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your tastes. For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the batter—the citrus notes complement the raisins beautifully. You can substitute currants or chopped dried apricots for the raisins if you prefer a different dried fruit. For a nuttier flavor and extra crunch, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the raisins. If you want to make these muffins a bit healthier, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, though this will make them slightly denser. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar added as a buttermilk substitute, and replace the butter with melted coconut oil.

Serviervorschläge

These muffins are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them warm from the oven with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey for a truly indulgent breakfast. They pair wonderfully with a strong cup of Irish breakfast tea or coffee. For a heartier breakfast, split a muffin and toast it lightly, then top with cream cheese or your favorite jam. These muffins also make an excellent addition to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and scrambled eggs. They're perfect for packing in lunchboxes or wrapping individually for an on-the-go breakfast. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months—simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.

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These Irish Soda Bread Muffins are more than just a convenient breakfast option—they're a connection to centuries of Irish baking tradition, reimagined for modern kitchens. The combination of simple, wholesome ingredients creates something truly special: muffins that are tender yet hearty, subtly sweet yet satisfying, and rustic yet refined. Whether you have Irish heritage or simply appreciate good, honest baking, these muffins will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Irish soda bread muffins. Your family and friends will be asking for this recipe again and again.

Recipe FAQ

→ What gives these muffins their tender texture?

Buttermilk combined with baking powder and baking soda creates a tender crumb by balancing acidity and leavening.

→ Can raisins be substituted with other dried fruits?

Yes, currants or chopped dried apricots make great alternatives, offering different flavor nuances.

→ Why add oats both inside and on top of the muffins?

Oats add a hearty texture within the muffins and a rustic crunchy topping for visual and textural contrast.

→ Is it important not to overmix the batter?

Yes, gentle stirring prevents toughness by keeping the crumb light and delicate.

→ What is a nice serving suggestion for these muffins?

Serve warm with butter and honey to enhance their natural sweetness and moist texture.