Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Irish Soda Bread is a quick bread recipe that requires just a few pantry ingredients. The bread is tender with a slightly sweet flavor and has a perfect golden brown crust. It’s ideal for those who want fresh bread without the need for rising dough or yeast. Additionally, it doesn’t require buttermilk, making it even simpler and accessible for most home kitchens. The recipe also offers flexibility with potential additions like raisins, currants, or caraway seeds, which can be added to match your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 and ⅘ cups milk
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup salted butter, melted
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
- Prepare the buttermilk substitute by combining vinegar and milk in a small bowl. Whisk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk substitute together until well mixed.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients along with the melted butter. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix as this can make the bread tough.
- Pour the dough into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center and the top is golden brown.
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with butter, honey, or your favorite jam.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- For a sweeter bread, you can add 1 cup of raisins or currants.
- If you prefer a savory version, sprinkle caraway seeds on top of the dough before baking.
- Add a few drops of green food coloring for a festive St. Patrick’s Day twist.
- You can also use real buttermilk instead of the vinegar and milk mixture for a more traditional flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature.
- You can freeze the bread for up to 2-3 months. To serve, allow it to thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
- To reheat, simply warm slices in a toaster or oven until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
While the recipe has not been tested with almond milk, you can try substituting it. Make sure to use a neutral flavor to avoid overpowering the bread.
Can I make Irish soda bread without sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to ¼ cup or omit it entirely if you prefer a less sweet bread.
How do I prevent the bread from becoming dense?
To avoid dense bread, mix the ingredients gently and don’t overwork the dough.
Can I add different dried fruits to the dough?
Yes, you can substitute raisins, currants, or even dried cranberries or apricots for a different twist.
Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
If you use self-rising flour, skip the baking powder and baking soda, as the flour already contains leavening agents.
How do I know when the bread is fully cooked?
Test the bread by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done.
Can I make this bread without an egg?
Yes, you can omit the egg or use a flaxseed egg substitute for a vegan version.
What is the purpose of the vinegar in this recipe?
The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create a rise in the dough, helping the bread rise without yeast.
Can I add buttermilk to the recipe?
Yes, replace the milk and vinegar with 2 cups of buttermilk if you prefer the traditional flavor.
Can I make soda bread in a different shape?
Yes, you can shape the dough into a round loaf instead of using a loaf pan, then bake it on a baking sheet.
Conclusion
This Easy Irish Soda Bread recipe is a perfect addition to any meal, offering a quick and simple way to enjoy fresh, homemade bread. Its light texture, slightly sweet flavor, and versatility make it a wonderful accompaniment to soups, stews, or just a warm slice with butter. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a delicious, rustic bread, this soda bread is sure to impress!
Print
Irish Soda Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Irish Soda Bread is a quick and simple bread that requires no yeast and no rising time. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion, this tender, slightly sweet bread has a golden crust and is incredibly easy to make. Enjoy it fresh with butter, or pair it with your favorite soups and stews for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 and ⅘ cups milk
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup salted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
- Make Buttermilk Substitute: In a small bowl, combine the vinegar and milk. Whisk and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk substitute together until fully mixed.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients along with the melted butter. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer to Loaf Pan: Pour the dough into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Serve with butter, honey, or your favorite jam.
Notes
- For added sweetness, mix in 1 cup of raisins or currants.
- To make it savory, sprinkle caraway seeds on top of the dough before baking.
- For a festive touch, add a few drops of green food coloring.
- You can replace the vinegar and milk with 2 cups of real buttermilk for a more traditional flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
