Here is an easy St. Patrick’s Day recipe that is ready in less than 30 minutes! Irish soda bread muffins feature traditional ingredients, caraway seeds and dried currants, to make a delicious breakfast snack.

Irish soda bread muffins piled on a plate with one muffin on a smaller plate and bowl of raisins.


 

I’m a huge fan of the grab-and-go breakfast or snack and muffins were basically made for that purpose. So when St. Patrick’s Day was coming up, my mind instantly jumped to Irish soda bread muffins. It’s the best festive snack for the holiday!

Why you will love this recipe

This is an authentic recipe that uses the traditional ingredients caraway seeds and dried currants. You don’t need an electric mixer and the muffins are ready in less than 30 minutes! Serving them with some Irish butter or jam in the morning is the perfect way to start your St. Patrick’s Day. They also go well alongside a hearty meal for dinner.

Ingredient notes

irish soda bread muffin ingredients in bowls.
  • All purpose flour: I prefer all purpose flour for this recipe, but you can also use whole wheat. Keep in mind the texture won’t be as soft. I do not recommend bread flour because it will results in a dry, tough texture.
  • Sour cream: A little sour cream or plain yogurt helps make the muffins moist and tender. Use full-fat for best results.
  • Dried currants: These are traditionally used in soda bread, but if you can’t find them raisins are a good substitute.
  • Caraway seeds: Another traditional ingredient for soda bread, caraway seeds are easy to find in grocery store and add a unique flavor.
  • Baking soda and baking powder: This is where soda bread got its name! I use a combination of baking soda and baking powder to help the muffins rise in the oven. Make sure they aren’t expired.

Recipe variations

If you can’t find dried currants, raisins are the perfect swap in this recipe! As for caraway seeds, fennel seeds are the best substitution for a similar flavor.

For a sweeter muffin, use dried cranberries and 1/2 cup walnuts in the recipe (omit the caraway seeds). For a more savory taste, add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

To make mini muffins, bake at 400° F for 8 to 10 minutes. For a small batch, split the recipe in half and use only an egg yolk. You can also put the batter in a 9×5 loaf pan to make bread. Bake at 350° F and check to see if it’s done around 40 minutes.

This recipe can be made dairy-free by using dairy-free sour cream or yogurt and dairy-free butter. You can also use 1:1 gluten-free baking flour (do not use nut flour such as almond flour or coconut flour).

How to make Irish soda bread muffins

photo collage demonstrating how to make irish soda bread muffins in a mixing bowl.
  1. Whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, dried currants and caraway seeds. Set aside.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients in a separate bowl (egg, sour cream and melted butter).
  3. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients.
  4. Mix just until combined. Do not over mix.
  5. Transfer batter to prepared muffin tin. Fill each cup about three-quarters full. Sprinkle sugar on top if desired.
  6. Bake at 400° F for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with little crumbs. Serve them plain, or with butter and/or jam.
irish soda bread muffin cut in half with butter on knife next to more muffins and raisins.

Expert tips

Measure your ingredients properly. Use a kitchen scale for the most accuracy. Alternatively, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level with a knife (don’t pack it down).

Avoid overmixing when combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. This is especially important for Irish soda bread muffins, which have more of a scone or biscuit texture.

Do not over bake. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted in one comes out with just a few crumbs. After they are done, turn them on their sides so the bottoms don’t get soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my muffins crumbly?

Irish soda bread has more of a scone texture, but if the muffins are too dry, it it possible there was too much flour in the batter or they were over-baked.

What to serve with Irish soda bread muffins?

I prefer a little Irish butter with jam or marmalade. However, they are meant to be served along side hearty meals like stew.

How do you store Irish soda bread muffins?

Place in an airtight container and store at room temperature for 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

Can you freeze them?

Yes. Individually wrap the muffins and place in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

irish soda bread muffin cut in half on small plate with butter spread on muffin.

Related recipes

Are you baking for St. Patrick’s Day? There are few more recipes you should try.

Classic Irish Apple Cake

Guinness Chocolate Donuts

Guinness Cupcakes with Bailey’s Frosting

Irish Cream Coffee Cake
More St. Patrick's Day Recipes

Did you love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below and if you REALLY loved it, consider leaving a comment further down the page.

irish soda bread muffin cut in half with butter with more muffins on plate behind

Get the Recipe: Irish Soda Bread Muffins

Yield: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Irish soda bread muffins are made with caraway seeds and dried currants. This recipe is perfect for Saint Patrick's Day breakfast!
5 (12 ratings)
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups (280 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling on top
  • 1 ½ cups (225 g) dried currants, (or raisins)
  • ½ to 2 teaspoons caraway seeds¹, to taste
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 cup (226 g) full-fat sour cream², room temperature
  • 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line a standard muffin pan with paper liners.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, raisins, and caraway seeds. Set aside.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream and melted butter.
  • Gently pour wet egg mixture over the dry flour mixture. Using a large wooden spoon stir a few times until everything is evenly moistened. Batter will be thick. Avoid over mixing as this will result in tough muffins.
  • Spoon the batter into the prepared pan (I like using an ice cream scoop). Fill the cups about 3/4 full (it will probably look like a mound in the cups). Top with extra granulated sugar if desired.
  • Bake at 400° F for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out with few crumbs. Remove them from the oven and turn them on their sides in the pan so the bottoms don't get soggy. Wait 5 minutes, then transfer the muffins to a rack to cool. Serve them plain, or with butter and/or jam.

Notes

Caraway seeds: For authentic taste, use 2 teaspoons of caraway seeds. If you don’t like the taste of caraway seeds, use as little as half a teaspoon or omit them completely. 
Sour cream substitute: Buttermilk or plain yogurt may be substituted for sour cream (same quantity).
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
Freeze muffins in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Individually wrap the muffins in plastic for best results.
Serving: 1muffin, Calories: 251kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 39mg, Sodium: 144mg, Potassium: 288mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 328IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 73mg, Iron: 2mg
Author: Haley D Williams
Course: Bread, Breakfast
Cuisine: American, Irish

Recipe adapted from King Arthur Flour.

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