Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Irish Soda Bread is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The bread’s rich flavor comes from the buttermilk, which also gives it a slightly tangy taste. The currants or raisins add a nice touch of sweetness and texture, balancing out the bread’s rustic nature. Plus, it’s perfect for serving with soups, stews, or as a snack on its own. If you’re new to baking, this is an excellent recipe to start with, as it’s quick, forgiving, and always delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 tablespoons butter, cubed and slightly softened
- 1 cup currants or raisins
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the currants or raisins: Stir the currants or raisins into the flour mixture.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the lightly beaten egg and buttermilk together.
- Form the dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir with a spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Do not overwork the dough, as this can make the bread tough.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet.
- Cut the top: Using a sharp knife, make a deep cross on the top of the dough. This helps the bread cook evenly and gives it the traditional look.
- Bake the bread: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the bread should reach an internal temperature of around 190°F (88°C).
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
Variations
- Add nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Herb Soda Bread: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist on the traditional recipe.
- Vegan Soda Bread: Replace the buttermilk with a plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) and use a flax egg in place of the regular egg to make the bread vegan.
- Citrus zest: Add a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular raisins instead of currants?
Yes, you can substitute regular raisins for currants, but currants give the bread a more traditional taste and texture.
2. Can I make Irish Soda Bread without buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 3/4 cups of regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
3. Can I freeze Irish Soda Bread?
Yes, you can freeze Irish Soda Bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose gluten-free flour for the regular flour. Make sure the baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
5. How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
To test if the bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready. You can also use a kitchen thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 190°F (88°C).
6. What can I serve with Irish Soda Bread?
Irish Soda Bread is perfect for pairing with stews, soups, or a hearty breakfast. It also pairs wonderfully with butter, jam, honey, or cheese.
7. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Irish Soda Bread is best made fresh, but you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Then, just add the wet ingredients when you’re ready to bake.
8. Can I add more sugar to make it sweeter?
Yes, you can add a little more sugar if you prefer a sweeter bread. However, traditional Irish Soda Bread is not typically sweet.
9. Why is my bread dense?
If the dough is overworked, it can become dense. Be sure to mix the dough just until it comes together. Avoid kneading it like regular bread dough.
10. Can I make this bread without raisins or currants?
Yes, you can make the bread without raisins or currants if you prefer. It will still be delicious and just as flavorful without the dried fruit.
Conclusion
Irish Soda Bread is a simple yet flavorful bread that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender crumb, slightly sweet currants or raisins, and tangy buttermilk, it’s a classic bread that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a festive meal or just enjoying it as a snack, this bread will bring the warm, comforting flavors of Ireland right to your table.
Print
Irish Soda Bread
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irish Soda Bread is a traditional, rustic bread made with simple ingredients like flour, buttermilk, and a touch of sweetness from currants or raisins. This easy-to-make bread features a dense yet tender crumb and a slightly crisp crust, perfect for serving with stews, soups, or as a snack with butter. With no yeast required, it’s quick to prepare and ideal for any meal of the day. Enjoy the comforting flavors of Ireland in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 tablespoons butter, cubed and slightly softened
- 1 cup currants or raisins
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
-
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
-
Cut in the butter: Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to incorporate the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Add the currants or raisins: Stir the currants or raisins into the flour mixture.
-
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten egg and buttermilk.
-
Form the dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir until the dough just comes together. Do not overwork the dough.
-
Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Cut the top: Using a sharp knife, make a deep cross on the top of the dough to help it cook evenly.
-
Bake the bread: Bake for 45-55 minutes, until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).
-
Cool: Let the bread cool for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.
Notes
- Add nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra flavor.
- Herb Soda Bread: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
- Vegan version: Use plant-based milk and a flax egg to make the bread vegan-friendly.
- Citrus zest: Add lemon or orange zest for a refreshing touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
