I come from a strong Irish heritage, with a large part of my family coming directly from Ireland. Because of this, Irish soda bread was one of the first recipes I ever learned to make. The crisp, golden crust, the slightly sweet and tender crumb, and those little pops of raisins in every bite, it’s pure comfort.
Once I realized how easy it is to make at home, there was no turning back. No yeast, no waiting for dough to rise, just simple ingredients coming together to create something that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did. Whether you’re making a loaf to go with dinner or enjoying a slice with tea, this Irish soda bread is the perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (or any day, really).
Ingredients for Irish Soda Bread
This recipe keeps things simple with just a handful of ingredients, each playing an important role in getting that classic soda bread texture and flavor.
Flour – Regular all-purpose flour gives the bread structure, making it sturdy yet soft.
Baking Soda – The key leavening agent! This is what helps the bread rise without any yeast. It reacts with the acidity in the buttermilk to create that perfect lift.
Salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness from the raisins.
Buttermilk – Essential for activating the baking soda, while also adding moisture and a slight tang to the bread.
Egg – Adds a little extra richness and helps with binding the ingredients together.
Butter – Gives the bread a tender crumb and adds just the right amount of buttery goodness.
Raisins – A classic addition that adds little pockets of sweetness in every bite. You can swap them for currants or leave them out if you prefer.
How to make Irish soda bread
Preheat & Prep – Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg and melted b utter together, then pour it into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, then fold in the raisins.
Shape the Dough – Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Form it into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Score & Bake – Use a sharp knife to cut a deep “X” on top of the dough (this helps it bake evenly). Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Enjoy – Let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter or jam!
FAQs
Can I make this without raisins? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of raisins, just leave them out, or swap them for dried cranberries or currants.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? No worries! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
Can I add other mix-ins? Yes! Some people like to add orange zest, caraway seeds, or even a bit of honey for a twist on the classic flavor.
How do I store Irish soda bread? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it well and freeze it.
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a homemade loaf of something delicious, this Irish soda bread recipe is a must-try. It’s quick, easy, and perfect with a cup of tea—or let’s be honest, a little slab of butter. Happy baking!
PrintSimple Irish Soda Bread
A simple recipe that will give you fresh Irish Soda Bread in less than an hour
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 cups buttermilk
1 egg
2 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for the pan
1 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a small bowl whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients with a rubber spatula until combined.
- Mix the raisins into the dough if you are using them.
- Use your hands to lightly knead the dough and shape it into a ball.
- Brush the bottom of a 9 or 10-inch cast iron skillet with some additional melted butter, then place the dough in the skillet.
- Use a knife to cut an X into the top of the dough.
- Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, until it is golden and the bottom of the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Allow the bread to cool completely, then serve. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.