One of my favorite things to make for St. Patrick's Day is Irish Soda Bread. If you've never had it before, it's not a bread in the way you might typically think of bread. The texture and consistency is similar to that of a scone. I did a little research on Irish Soda Bread and discovered that it started out with very basic ingredients which poorer households in Ireland had access to. Before cooking, a cross was carved into the top of the dough. I thought this was for aesthetic purposes, but it actually was believed to ward off the devil and protect the household where it was made.
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⭐Why This Recipe Works
- This Irish Soda Bread recipe has many steps that kids can help with.
- Great to make to celebrate Saint Patrick's day
- Unique flavor and rustic texture
🥣Ingredient Notes
- All-purpose white flour - King Arthur's All Purpose Unbleached flour contains more protein than most other flours so it gives the bread a great texture.
- Sugar - helps to give the bread a slightly sweet flavor
- Baking soda - leavening agent used to help the dough rise
- Baking powder - another leavening agent
- Butter - softened and melted for brushing on top.
- Buttermilk - adds flavor and helps to dough to rise
- Large egg - some recipes call for no egg, but I find the egg adds richness to the bread.
- Raisins - add sweetness, but you can also add craisins for a more tart flavor.
📋Step by Step Instructions
STEP 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease the baking sheet.
STEP 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine all purpose flour, ⅓ cup of sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and softened butter.
STEP 3: Stir in the buttermilk and egg until a dough starts to form, then fold in raisins. If the dough is still crumbly, add a splash of buttermilk until it comes together.
STEP 4: Knead dough on a lightly floured surface. Form into a round loaf.
STEP 5: Brush the top of the loaf with ¼ cup of melted butter then sprinkle ½ tablespoon of sugar on top.
STEP 6: Cut an X into the top of the loaf using a sharp knife.
STEP 7: Bake on a baking sheet for 1 hour. Test to see if it is done by inserting a toothpick into the center and checking to see that it comes out clean.
STEP 8: Remove from pan and allow to cool on a wire rack.
The Irish Soda Bread recipe is best when it's still warm with a touch of butter. The golden crust makes the bread look so pretty and appetizing.
👩🏻🍳Expert Tips
Tip 1: This Irish soda bread recipe calls for buttermilk. If you must have some Irish Soda Bread and don't have buttermilk on hand, you can quickly make your own. I found a great tutorial here.
Tip 2: You can substitute dried cranberries for the raisins if you prefer.
Tip 3: If the loaf is too thick, the center might take longer to bake. Simply place some foil over the top of the loaf and continue baking until done.
🤷🏻♀️Recipe FAQs
What can I serve with Irish soda bread?
You can serve it with butter or jam. It works great as a side to stews or soups such as this Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff Soup.
How do I store Irish soda bread?
You can store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🍽️ Related Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- ½ cup raisins
- ¼ cup melted butter for brushing on top
- ½ tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, ⅓ cup of sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and softened butter. Mix in the buttermilk and egg until dough starts to form, then fold in raisins. If dough is still crumbly, add a splash of buttermilk until it comes together.
- Knead dough on a floured surface. Form into a round loaf.
- Brush the top of the loaf with ¼ cup of melted butter then sprinkle ½ tablespoon of sugar on top.
- Cut an X into the top of the loaf using a sharp knife.
- Bake on a baking sheet for 1 hour. Test to see if it is done by inserting a toothpick into the center and checking to see that it comes out clean. If the loaf is too thick, the center might take longer to bake. Simply place some foil over the top of the loaf and continue baking until done.
- Remove from pan and allow to cool on a wire rack.
Video
Notes
- This Irish soda bread recipe calls for buttermilk. If you must have some Irish Soda Bread and don't have buttermilk on hand, you can quickly make your own. I found a great tutorial here.
- You can substitute dried cranberries for the raisins if you prefer.
- If the loaf is too thick, the center might take longer to bake. Simply place some foil over the top of the loaf and continue baking until done.
- This nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using online calculators. Your nutritional information may vary depending on numerous factors.
Nutrition
Beth
I absolutely love Irish soda bread. I make it all the time, and I love trying new variations. Yay!