You are probably wondering how an Italian woman could have in her possession the best recipe for Irish Soda Bread. Well, many, many years ago I used to work at National Geographic Magazine. The receptionist was a woman named Delia T. Looney — she was right off the boat from Ireland — in her own words, this is her recipe.
1/2 cup butter (at room temperature),1/2 cup sugar, 4 eggs, 4 cups sifted flour, 9 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 2 cups sour cream, 2 cups raisins, one small box caraway seeds
Plump raisins by adding boiling water to them in a small bowl. Let soak approximately 10 minutes Drain before using.
In one bowl mix eggs (already beaten), butter and sugar to cream. In another bowl mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Then alternate sour cream and flour mixture into the first bowl (butter, sugar, eggs). Add raisins and caraway seeds — mix. Spread into two eight inch greased pans — cut an “x” on top of each.
Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes then lower oven to 350 degrees for 50 minutes. (depending on your oven could be less time — test using a toothpick in center.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
501 Hats 
Since your Braised Cider Chops are a big hit, will try this recipe as well. Still sitting in my new office. Luv your other Sister
Yum!! Just in time!!
Caraway seeds, how much is in a box?
Can you give us a standard measurement? Thank you, I have made 18 loaves this week so far but this looks like a good recipe and very different from my two recipes.
Thanks xo
Top of the morning to you — McCormick makes a small jar of caraway seeds (0.9 ounce) which is perfect for this bread. Enjoy!
Thank you so much, enjoy your Sunday!
Hey !! Beg to differ… Mom still uses Nanny’s recipe for traditional Irish Soda bread. This recipe is not a secret and has successfully been shared with Emerald Societies and fire department members – yielding fantastic praises. I now throw down the gauntlet and challenge your “off the boat” recipe against Nanny’s recipe !
Bring it!
I was referred to your blog by someone in your family. When he asked what I was doing for St Pattys Day, I told him “I am the 100% Italian and Irish by Marriage, and I am the one cooking for St Patty’s day every year for the Irish side” He highly recommended I try your Irish Soda Bread recipe. He said it was the best. I am very excited to try. Going to get my ingredients now. Thank you and Have a GREAT day!!!
Hi Maria — so glad you are going to try this recipe for Irish Soda Bread. It really is the best!
I’m going to post a really terrific recipe for Corned Beef and Cabbage this Friday. It’s also a must
try. From one Italian to another — “Happy St. Paddy’s Day”!
Thank you! I am adding a little Italian to Saint Patricks day at my house by also making your Pignoli Cookies!