This Irish Soda Bread is a quick and easy bread recipe you can whip together with just a few ingredients. Also known as a quick bread, It’s a no yeast bread recipe that will take over your home with the sweet smell of fresh-baked bread.
Irish Soda Bread
Baked in a cast iron pan this traditional Irish Soda Bread is full of flavor and oodles of raisins. Pair it with your favorite butter and jam’s for a tasty treat.
Fun fact that not many people know about me, I’m Irish! I get it from my momma. Lots of things can be said about my Irish roots and a lot of those stories start from when we immigrated to Virginia.
I was born and raised in Virginia which my family dates all the way back to the 1700’s Virginia Settlers. I guess you could say I have a long history with this state yet much is still unknown about our history.
Easy Irish Soda Bread
However, what we do know is thanks to my grandmother who has done an immense amount of research. Thanks to her I am connected with my ancestors and am able to learn something about our family’s past.
While we didn’t grow up making traditional Irish dishes, Irish Soda Bread was a staple in our home.
Common Irish Soda Bread Questions
Is this really an Irish dish?
In short no, this Irish Soda Bread recipe is based off of the traditional Irish bread recipe. Where they used baking soda instead of the traditional bread making ingredient yeast. Baking soda was a more inexpensive ingredient that yielded a delicious loaf every time.
Where does Irish soda bread get its name from?
Where does Irish soda bread get its name from? While the name and recipe were inspired by the traditional Irish bread, it is typically associated with a loaf of white sweet bread in the United States. Also known as a quick bread recipe. The name comes from the inspiration of the Irish Bread, where you use baking soda in place of yeast.
Do I need a Cast Iron Skillet?
Do I need a Cast Iron Skillet? Yes, please do not alter this recipe by using anything other than a cast-iron skillet. The cast-iron skillet will evening distribute the heat needed to cook this bread through.
Do I need to add in the Raisins?
Do I need to add in the Raisins? No, feel free to omit or add any other dried fruit to this quick bread recipe. Sometimes I will add dried cranberries, blueberries or whatever is in season.
Can I make this Gluten-Free?
Can I make this Gluten-Free? Absolutely, grab your favorite gluten-free flour and then follow the recipe.
Irish Soda Bread Ingredients
- Buttermilk
- Raisins
- Flour
- Baking Soda
- Butter or Buttermilk Wash
Irish Soda Bread Notes:
Buttermilk. The secret ingredient in this dish is, of course, buttermilk. The buttermilk is what activates the baking soda and helps the bread rise without the need for yeast.
Raisins. Traditional Irish Soda Bread includes raisins yet you can dress up this bread with anything you want. Add in some orange zest, nuts or other dried fruits for endless flavor combinations.
Butter and Buttermilk Wash. This step is optional, however, I have found washing the bread with the melted butter and buttermilk helps keeps the bread moist. Although, I do like how crispy the bread gets when you skip this step, hence why it is optional.
Other Recipes You May Like
- Skip the pie crust in this Apple Pie Bread recipe, it’s made with love and your favorite apples.
- Put those ripe bananas on your kitchen counter to good use with my Banana Chocolate Chip Bread.
- These light and fluffy Banana Blueberry Baked Donuts make a great breakfast treat.
The Best Irish Soda Bread Spreads
I love to top my Irish Soda Bread with all different types of spreads. Among my favorites I would have to say Apple Butter is my favorite. However my taste buds change according to the season. Below are a few suggestions I believe you would love as a spread.
- Strawberry Jam
- Butter
- Blackberry Jam
- Blueberry Jam
- Apple Butter
Irish Soda Bread
This Irish Soda Bread is a quick and easy bread recipe you can whip together and spoil your family with. Also known as a quick bread, It's a no yeast bread recipe that will take over your home with the sweet smell of fresh-baked bread.
Ingredients
- 4 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 3/4 Buttermilk
- 4 tbs Butter (1/4 Cup cubed)
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 Cup Raisins (Optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- In a large mixing bowl sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer with a fitted paddle, or in the large bowl with a dough/pastry cutter add the cold cubed butter. Mix until the texture is crumbly.
- Add the milk and egg then mix until combined. (DO NOT OVERMIX) If adding raisins add them in and mix with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Transfer dough onto a well-floured flat surface and knead for 1-2 minutes.
- Add dough to a well-greased cast medium-sized iron pan. Cut an X on the top of the dough then pop it in the oven for 40-50 minutes.
- Check the bread for doneness at 30 minutes using a toothpick, if the toothpick comes out clean it is done. If not then cook until the toothpick comes out clean. (another 10 - 20 minutes). Continue to check the bread every 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let sit in the pan for 5 minutes, remove and transfer to a cooling rack. Wait till loaf cools to almost room temperature, then cut and enjoy!