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Irish Soda Bread

This classic Irish soda bread combines flour, buttermilk, currants and soda for a quick bread that needs no yeast. Ready in under an hour with a golden crust and tender crumb.

Featured in Fresh-Baked Comfort.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:30:07 GMT
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A freshly baked loaf of bread studded with raisins is sliced on a wooden board, accompanied by a butter knife and a cup of milk in the background. Pin it
A freshly baked loaf of bread studded with raisins is sliced on a wooden board, accompanied by a butter knife and a cup of milk in the background. | zestplate.com

Making Irish Soda Bread brings me such joy because it's so simple yet so rewarding. Unlike yeasted breads that need hours to rise this beautiful loaf comes together with just flour baking soda buttermilk and a few enriching ingredients. My version includes butter sugar eggs and plump raisins which make it extra special. The best part? You'll have a warm fragrant loaf ready in under an hour.

Why the Cross in the Center?

When I first learned to make soda bread I thought the cross on top was just for looks but it's actually quite clever. That deep score helps the heat reach right into the center so everything bakes evenly. Plus it gives the bread room to rise into that gorgeous domed shape we all love.

Key Ingredients

  • Flour: Regular all purpose flour works perfectly here no need for anything fancy.
  • Baking Soda: This is our rising agent it works with the buttermilk like magic.
  • Salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors alive.
  • Buttermilk: The key to that tender crumb and slight tang we love.
  • Butter: Makes everything richer and more delicious.
  • Sugar: Just a touch for subtle sweetness.
  • Egg: Helps hold everything together and adds richness.
  • Raisins or Currants: I love adding these little sweet bites but they're totally optional.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare
First get your oven warming to 375°F. I like using my cast iron skillet but a regular baking sheet works great too give it a light grease.
Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk your flour baking soda salt and sugar together then work in cold butter until you've got something that looks like breadcrumbs.
Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in your buttermilk and egg mix just until everything comes together then fold in those sweet raisins if you're using them.
Shape and Score
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface shape it into a round then make that signature deep cross cut right across the top.
Bake
Pop it in the oven for about 35 to 45 minutes until it's golden and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. Let it cool just a bit before slicing.

Tips for the Best Soda Bread

  • Don't Overmix: A light hand with mixing keeps your bread tender and delicious.
  • Use Cold Butter: Cold butter creates lovely flaky pockets in your bread.
  • Check Doneness: That hollow sound when you tap the bottom never fails.
  • Serve Fresh: Nothing beats warm soda bread fresh from the oven slathered with butter.
A freshly baked loaf of bread with raisins sits on a dark wooden plate, showcasing a golden-brown crust and a soft interior. Pin it
A freshly baked loaf of bread with raisins sits on a dark wooden plate, showcasing a golden-brown crust and a soft interior. | zestplate.com

Storing and Freezing

Keep your soda bread wrapped up tight at room temperature and try to enjoy it within a couple days. If you want to freeze it let it cool completely wrap it really well and it'll keep for two months. When you're ready to eat just thaw it out and warm it in the oven.

Origins of Soda Bread

I love how this bread started as a simple four ingredient recipe born from necessity in Ireland. Today we might add a few extra ingredients for richness but the heart of the recipe remains the same quick easy and absolutely delicious. It's comfort food that connects us to generations of bakers before us.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why score the top?

Helps heat reach center of loaf and creates traditional look.

→ What makes it rise?

Baking soda reacts with buttermilk to create rise, no yeast needed.

→ Can I substitute buttermilk?

Real buttermilk works best but can use milk + lemon juice.

→ Why shaggy dough?

Overworking makes bread tough - minimal mixing keeps it tender.

→ Why use cast iron?

Creates better crust but baking sheet works too.

Soda Bread Recipe

Traditional Irish quick bread made with buttermilk and currants, requiring no yeast or proofing time.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Breads & Muffins

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Irish

Yield: 12 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 4-4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
02 1 tablespoon sugar.
03 1 teaspoon salt.
04 1 teaspoon baking soda.
05 4 tablespoons butter, softened.
06 1 cup currants or raisins.
07 1 large egg, beaten.
08 1 3/4 cups buttermilk.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven thoroughly to 425°F and position rack in center for even baking.

Step 02

Whisk together flour, sugar, salt and baking soda in large mixing bowl until completely combined.

Step 03

Work softened butter into flour mixture with fingers until it resembles coarse meal texture.

Step 04

Add currants or raisins to flour-butter mixture, distributing evenly throughout.

Step 05

Create well in center of dry ingredients for adding wet ingredients.

Step 06

Pour beaten egg and buttermilk into well and stir with wooden spoon until too stiff to mix.

Step 07

Use floured hands to gently gather mixture into rough ball, being careful not to overwork.

Step 08

Add additional flour if needed until dough is sticky but manageable.

Step 09

Transfer dough to lightly floured surface and shape into round loaf without overworking.

Step 10

Place shaped loaf in greased cast iron skillet or on baking sheet.

Step 11

Score top deeply with X pattern using serrated knife to allow heat penetration.

Step 12

Bake 35-45 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.

Step 13

Tent with foil if top browns too quickly while baking.

Step 14

Test doneness by inserting skewer into center - should come out clean.

Step 15

Cool in pan 5-10 minutes before transferring to rack for serving.

Notes

  1. No yeast needed.
  2. Quick preparation.
  3. Traditional recipe.
  4. Best served fresh.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cast iron skillet/baking sheet.
  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Serrated knife.
  • Wooden spoon.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, buttermilk).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 263
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 47 g
  • Protein: 7 g