Irish Soda Bread

Celebrate the timeless charm of Irish Soda Bread, a rustic and easy-to-make classic that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a handful of pantry staples like flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt, this recipe delivers a tender and hearty loaf with a golden crust. The inclusion of cold, cubed butter gives it a flaky, biscuit-like texture, while rich buttermilk and a single egg create a moist and flavorful crumb. Add raisins for a touch of sweetness or keep it simple for an authentic, savory version. Ready in under an hour with no yeast required, this quick bread is ideal for last-minute baking or accompanying soups, stews, and breakfasts. Don't forget the signature "X" scored on top—it’s not only traditional but ensures your loaf bakes up beautifully. Your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of fresh bread in no time! Keywords: Irish soda bread recipe, easy soda bread, no-yeast bread, traditional Irish bread, quick bread recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1.75 cups Buttermilk
• 1 count Egg, large
• 1 cup Raisins (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4

If using raisins, fold them into the dry mixture now.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until combined.

Step 6

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 7

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 1 minute to form a cohesive ball. The dough will be sticky, so flour your hands as needed.

Step 8

Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a round loaf, about 7-8 inches in diameter.

Step 9

Using a sharp knife, score an 'X' about 1/2 inch deep across the top of the dough. This allows the bread to expand as it bakes.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 11

Transfer the bread to a wire rack and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1246.4 grams (1246.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3196

Total Fat 70.70g	91%
Saturated Fat 40.00g	200%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.80g
Cholesterol 357mg	119%
Sodium 4197mg	182%
Total Carbohydrate 574.20g	209%
Dietary Fiber 19.50g	70%
Total Sugars 173.50g
Protein 75.00g	150%

Vitamin D 290IU	1450%
Calcium 704mg	54%
Iron 27mg	148%
Potassium 2452mg	52%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 19.7%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 71.0%