Experience the inviting charm of Irish Soda Bread, where a soft, tender crumb and slight sweetness evoke nostalgic festive treats. Crafted with a quick blend of buttermilk and simple ingredients, this bread marries tradition with convenience, delivering a comforting, biscuit-like texture perfect for any time of day. Enjoy its warm, homey appeal.

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I love making Irish Soda Bread because it’s quick and simple while still being packed with flavor and nutrition. I first mixed 4 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar.

Then I stirred in 1 3/4 cups of buttermilk until the dough came together in about 5 minutes. There’s no need for proofing or kneading so its perfect for busy days.

I often bake it in my Dutch Oven or an Irish Soda Bread Cast Iron Skillet which gives it a nice crust and a tender, biscuit-like crumb. The lightly sweet crumb is similar to what you might find in Easter Bread or even Hot Cross Buns and its hearty enough to fill you up.

It also serves as a great base if youd like a twist like Cheese And Herb Irish Soda Bread. I appreciate its traditional roots in Irish cooking and the nutritional balance it provides.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how quick and simple it is to make, its almost like all the steps come together without a lot of fuss, which makes it perfect for when I’m in a hurry.
2. I really dig the lightly sweet flavor of the bread; it reminds me of old family recipes like our Easter Bread and Hot Cross Buns.
3. The soft, biscuit-like crumb is something I always look forward to and it always makes me feel like I’m indulging in something homemade and comforting.
4. I appreciate that I dont have to worry about proofing or extra complicated kneading, which means I can spend more time enjoying my food instead of stressing over its preparation.

Ingredients

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All-purpose flour is a key carbohydrate source that builds dough structure and texture.
It also provides protein which aid in gluten formation for a hearty, filling bread.
Baking soda is a leavener that creates a light rise with a slight tang.
Salt enhances flavors and help regulate gluten development for a balanced crust.
Granulated sugar adds subtle sweetness and promotes a golden, appetizing crust.
Buttermilk brings tanginess, moisture, and a tender crumb with its natural acidity.
Its probiotics and lactic acid support digestion in a really tasty way.
This traditional recipe combine simple ingredients to create a cozy and satisfying loaf.
Enjoy it with butter or jam for a comforting snack that warms your heart.

Ingredient Quantities

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 3/4 cups buttermilk

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.

2. In a big bowl, mix together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar.

3. Pour 1 3/4 cups of buttermilk slowly into the dry mix and stir gently until the dough comes together; don’t overmix because it might turn out tough.

4. Sprinkle some flour over your work surface and transfer the dough there. Give it a couple of gentle kneads just until it forms a smooth ball.

5. Place the dough on an ungreased baking sheet and form it into a round loaf shape.

6. With a sharp knife, cut a deep cross right across the top of the dough, making sure to cut all the way through.

7. Put the bread in the oven and bake it for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is nicely golden and the bottom sounds hollow when you tap it.

8. Once done, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before you slice it up.

9. Enjoy your Irish Soda Bread with a bit of butter or your favorite jam for extra flavor!

Equipment Needed

1. An oven that can be preheated to 425°F
2. A big bowl for mixing all the dry ingredients
3. Measuring cups and spoons for measuring flour, baking soda, salt, sugar and buttermilk
4. A sturdy spoon or spatula for stirring the dough together
5. A clean work surface that you can sprinkle with flour
6. A baking sheet to form and bake the dough
7. A sharp knife for cutting a deep cross on the dough
8. A wire rack to cool the bread after baking

FAQ

Q: How do I get a tender texture without overmixing? A: You gotta mix the dry ingredients lightly and gently fold in the buttermilk. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so work quickly and with care.

Q: Can I use regular milk if I dont have buttermilk? A: Yes, you can but add a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk and let it sit for a few minutes to mimic buttermilk.

Q: What temperature and time should i bake the bread? A: Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. It’s done when the crust is nicely golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Q: Can i add extras like raisins or herbs? A: Sure you can experiment by adding raisins, currants or even herbs. Just keep in mind that it might change the flavor a bit.

Q: How long does the soda bread stay fresh? A: It usually stays fresh for 1 to 2 days when kept in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer, slice and freeze for later use.

Irish Soda Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you’re not keen on using just all-purpose flour, you can try mixing it with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste
If you don’t have baking soda handy, swap it with about 3 teaspoons of baking powder
You can use sea salt instead of regular salt in the same quantity, but keep in mind it might taste a bit different
Instead of granulated sugar, you could use brown sugar which gives a richer flavor or even a bit of honey, though you’ll need to tweak the liquid slightly
Don’t have buttermilk? Just mix 1 3/4 cups of milk with 1 3/4 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken up

Pro Tips

1. Be super careful when mixing your dough. Stir it just until the flour meets the buttermilk – overmixing it can make the bread tough and dense.

2. When you’re kneading the dough, handle it gently like it’s delicate. You wanna form a smooth ball without losing that light texture, so don’t overdo it.

3. Make sure your oven is fully heated before you put your bread in. A reliable method to check if its ready is by listening for a hollow sound when you tap the bottom of the loaf.

4. Let your bread cool on a wire rack for a good 20 minutes or so. Cutting it too soon can make it gummy and hard to slice evenly.

Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

200

kcal

Equipment: 1. An oven that can be preheated to 425°F
2. A big bowl for mixing all the dry ingredients
3. Measuring cups and spoons for measuring flour, baking soda, salt, sugar and buttermilk
4. A sturdy spoon or spatula for stirring the dough together
5. A clean work surface that you can sprinkle with flour
6. A baking sheet to form and bake the dough
7. A sharp knife for cutting a deep cross on the dough
8. A wire rack to cool the bread after baking

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups buttermilk

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F.
In a big bowl, mix together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar.
Pour 1 3/4 cups of buttermilk slowly into the dry mix and stir gently until the dough comes together; don't overmix because it might turn out tough.
Sprinkle some flour over your work surface and transfer the dough there. Give it a couple of gentle kneads just until it forms a smooth ball.
Place the dough on an ungreased baking sheet and form it into a round loaf shape.
With a sharp knife, cut a deep cross right across the top of the dough, making sure to cut all the way through.
Put the bread in the oven and bake it for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is nicely golden and the bottom sounds hollow when you tap it.
Once done, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before you slice it up.
Enjoy your Irish Soda Bread with a bit of butter or your favorite jam for extra flavor!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.