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Gavin Family Irish Bread Recipe

Gavin Family Irish Bread Recipe


Looking for something tasty to serve guests this weekend? How about traditional Irish Bread? Because it’s so culturally significant it has its own preservation society…really http://www.sodabread.info. By the preservation society's definition, this recipe wouldn't be considered "soda bread" but rather a cake. Sometimes known as Irish Railway Cake or a less appetizing, but very cute Spotty Dog Cake.

This recipe is from Ann Gavin and we are so grateful she is sharing with everyone. Enjoy another Gavin Family recipe!

 Ann Gavin’s Irish Bread


4 cups flour

¼ c sugar

¼ cup butter

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 cups raisins

1 ¼ c buttermilk

1 egg


  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  2. Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a bowl.

  3. Using a fork, food processor or pastry blender, cut butter into flour mixture.

  4. Mix in raisins.

  5.  In a separate bowl, mix egg slightly beaten with buttermilk.

  6. Add egg and buttermilk to dry ingredients, blend well and shape it into a ball.

  7. On a board lightly sprinkled with flour, knead dough 25 times or you can use Kitchen Aid mixer with a dough hook.


Bake in well-greased 2-quart casserole at 350 degrees for 60 to 70 minutes until top is golden brown.

Be patient, let it sit for 10 minutes before cutting.

Notes: If you have a well-loved cast iron 10” round skillet, grease it well or line it with parchment paper and cook bread at 350 degrees for 60 minutes. It will give bread a nice crust. Enjoy!