Irish Soda Bread
+6 photos

Irish Soda Bread

12 servings
This easy Irish soda bread is ready in under an hour, start to finish. Just flour, baking soda, buttermilk, raisins, egg, and a touch of sugar and salt—stir it all together and bake!

Ingredients

  • flour
    4 c
  • sugar
    1 tbsp
  • salt
    1 tsp
  • baking soda
    1 tsp
  • butter
    4 tbsp
  • currants or raisins
    1 c
  • egg
    1 large
  • buttermilk
    1 ¾ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 425°F.

  2. 2

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk 4 cups of the flour together with the sugar, salt, and baking soda.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Using your (clean) fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal. Then add in the currants or raisins.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add the beaten egg and buttermilk to the well and mix in with a wooden spoon until the dough is too stiff to stir.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Use floured hands to gently gather the dough into a rough ball shape. The dough will be soft and sticky. If it is more like a batter than a dough, add up to 1/2 cup more flour until you have a sticky, shaggy dough. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape into into a round loaf. Note that the dough will be a little sticky, and quite shaggy (a little like a shortcake biscuit dough). You want to work it just enough so the flour is just moistened and the dough just barely comes together. Shaggy is good. If you over-work the dough the bread will end up tough.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Transfer the dough to a large, lightly greased cast-iron skillet or a baking sheet (It will flatten out a bit in the pan or on the baking sheet). Using a serrated knife, score the top of dough about an inch and a half deep in an "X" shape. The purpose of the scoring is to help heat get into the center of the dough while it cooks.

    Step 6
  7. 7

    Transfer to the oven and bake at 425°F until the bread is golden and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped, about 35 to 45 minutes. (If you use a cast iron pan, it may take a little longer as it takes longer for the pan to heat up than a baking sheet.) If the top is getting too dark while baking, tent the bread with some aluminum foil. Check for doneness also by inserting a long, thin skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, it's done.

  8. 8

    Remove the pan or sheet from the oven, and let the bread sit in the pan or on the sheet for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, remove to a rack to cool briefly. Serve the bread warm, at room temperature, or sliced and toasted. Best when eaten warm and just baked. Did you enjoy this recipe? Let us know with a rating and review!

    Step 8
Irish Soda Bread
+6

Irish Soda Bread

55 min12 servings263 cal

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About this Recipe

Bake a Delicious, Easy Irish Soda Bread in Under an Hour

Craving the comforting taste of homemade bread but short on time? This incredibly easy Irish Soda Bread recipe is your answer! In less than an hour, from mixing bowl to your kitchen table, you can enjoy a warm, tender loaf perfect for any occasion, especially St. Patrick's Day. Forget complicated yeast and long proofing times; this quick bread relies on simple ingredients and a clever chemical reaction to create its rustic charm.

What makes this particular Irish Soda Bread stand out is its delightful simplicity and speed. We combine just flour, baking soda, a touch of sugar and salt, with tangy buttermilk, an egg, and sweet raisins or currants. The buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, giving the bread its signature rise and tender crumb without any waiting. The result is a wonderfully satisfying loaf with a slightly crisp crust and a soft, dense interior studded with sweet fruit.

Tips for Perfect Irish Soda Bread

  • Don't Overmix: Overworking the dough can lead to a tough loaf. Mix just until combined.
  • Currants vs. Raisins: While traditional recipes often call for currants, raisins work beautifully and add a lovely sweetness.
  • Serving Suggestions: This traditional Irish loaf is fantastic served warm with a slather of butter and a dollop of jam. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to hearty stews, soups, or even just a simple cup of tea.

Elevate your baking experience with this straightforward and delicious Irish Soda Bread. It’s the perfect introduction to baking for beginners and a beloved classic for seasoned bakers.

Frequently Asked Questions