Irish Soda Bread Muffins: Less Crumble, More Cake

Originally posted March 17, 2025.

It’s St. Patrick’s Day, which means it’s time for Irish soda bread—the annual tradition of pretending to enjoy something dry enough to double as a kitchen sponge. But don’t worry, my mom fixed it(shocking, I know).

This isn’t the crumbly, sad brick of soda bread you politely nibble at a family gathering. These muffins are soft, buttery, and just sweet enough to make you forget that soda bread is supposed to be a chore. The raisins bring some chew, the caraway adds that classic anise-y vibe, and the buttermilk makes everything tender instead of sawdust-adjacent. Basically, this is soda bread that actually wants to be eaten.

Oh, and let’s talk about that turbinado sugar sprinkle—because if we’re making muffins instead of a loaf, we might as well lean into the upgrade. A little crunch on top, a warm muffin in your hand, and a generous slab of butter melting into every bite? That’s what this holiday should taste like.

So if you’re ready to shake up your St. Paddy’s Day with soda bread that doesn’t suck, here’s how to make them:

Irish Soda Bread Muffins

Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1.5-2 cups raisins

• 2 tsp caraway seeds

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup buttermilk (room temp)

• 1 stick butter (room temp)

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup sugar

For Topping:

• Turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease or line a muffin tin.

2. Mix Dry: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, raisins, and caraway seeds. Set aside.

3. Mix Wet: In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add in eggs and buttermilk, stirring until just combined.

4. Combine: Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just mixed—don’t overwork it!

5. Fill Muffin Tins: Scoop batter into prepared muffin tin, filling about ⅔ full. Sprinkle tops with turbinado sugar.

6. Bake: Pop into the oven for 30-35 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly, then smother in butter and enjoy. Even better when served with a coffee with Bailey’s.

These cake-like, buttery muffins are here to rescue your St. Paddy’s Day from the usual sawdust-textured soda bread. You’re welcome.