Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread
Irish soda bread is a delightful traditional Irish loaf that embodies the essence of simplicity and comfort. With its crusty exterior and soft, tender inside, this easy Irish soda bread proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to whip up a delicious bread. The unique combination of baking soda and buttermilk gives it a wonderful flavor profile, making it perfect for any occasion, whether served warm with butter or as part of your St. Patrick’s Day feast.
Table of Contents
Growing up, Irish soda bread was a hallmark of family gatherings, especially around this time of year. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the house always made my heart sing. This recipe is not just quick and budget-friendly; it brings together loved ones, evokes nostalgia, and shares love in every slice. So grab your apron and let’s bake a loaf together—trust me; you’ll want to make this over and over again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a warm loaf ready in less than an hour!
- Irresistible Flavor: The buttermilk lends a slight tanginess that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of optional raisins or currants.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Its rustic look and golden crust make it a stunning centerpiece on any table.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it warm at breakfast, as a side with dinner, or even a snack with a cup of tea.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to suit gluten-free diets with the right flour substitute.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ¾ cups raisins or currants, optional: Adds a touch of sweetness and a bit of texture. If you prefer a less sweet bread, feel free to omit.
- ⅔ cup Irish whiskey (like Jameson), or apple juice or white grape juice, optional: Soaking the raisins in whiskey or juice enhances their flavor and plumpness. You can skip this step if you are not using raisins.
- 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of this recipe, it provides structure. Consider using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour if needed.
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder: This key leavening agent helps the bread rise for that lovely, soft texture.
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to ensure you get a beautifully risen loaf.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors to allow the sweetness of the bread to shine through.
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk: The acidity of buttermilk is crucial for the desired tang and texture.
- 2 large eggs + 2 yolks: Adds richness and helps to bind the dough together.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided: Ensures a moist bread with a delicious crust. Don’t skip this!
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness to the dough.
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar, optional: For a sweet crunch on the crust; regular granulated sugar can be used instead if you don’t have it.
How to Make Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread Recipe
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and generously spray a nonstick baking sheet with cooking spray. For a truly rustic touch, you could use a well-greased 9-inch cast iron skillet instead. If you go this route, pop it in the oven to preheat as well!
Soak the Raisins (Optional): If you’re adding raisins or currants, place them into a medium bowl, and pour in your selected soaking liquid. Let them sit while you prepare the rest of your ingredients, which makes them extra plump.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ¾ teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt, whisking together until well combined. Setting these aside gives you a solid foundation for your dough.
Blend the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together 1 ¾ cups buttermilk, 2 large eggs, 2 yolks, and 3 tablespoons melted butter with ¼ cup granulated sugar. Whisk this mixture until it’s frothy and well combined, creating a rich batter.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if the dough appears shaggy and sticky; this will give you a great texture later.
Fold in the Raisins: If using, drain the soaking liquid off your raisins and fold them into the dough using a spatula. Gently incorporate them without overmixing; this makes sure they’re well dispersed.
Shape the Dough: Turn your dough onto the prepared baking sheet (or carefully remove your skillet from the oven). Pat it into a round loaf. Don’t worry if it feels sticky; that’s perfectly normal!
Score the Dough: Using a sharp knife, score a large X on top of the loaf, cutting about ½ inch deep. This traditional pattern allows steam to escape and helps the bread bake evenly.
Brush with Butter: Take your remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter and brush it generously over the top of the loaf. If you want a little crunch, sprinkle the turbinado sugar evenly over the surface for added sweetness.
Bake the Bread: Place your loaf in the oven and bake for about 45 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye out for that golden-brown exterior; your kitchen will start smelling wonderfully fragrant as it bakes. Remember to rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even browning.
Cool Before Slicing: Once out of the oven, permit the loaf to cool completely before slicing. It’s hard to resist the temptation to cut it too soon, but patience pays off! I love serving it with a pat of butter—so comforting.
Storing & Reheating
To store your Irish soda bread, let it cool completely before wrapping it in an airtight container. At room temperature, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just slice it before freezing to make reheating easier. To refresh and enjoy it warm again, pop it in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Do bear in mind that freezing can slightly change the texture, but a quick reheat works wonders!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- If your dough seems overly sticky, try adding a little extra flour, but avoid going overboard; the sticky texture is part of the charm.
- For best results, use room temperature eggs to ensure they mix well and create a cohesive dough.
- Baking in cast iron drastically improves crust texture—if you have a skillet, it’s worth a try!
- Be mindful of the baking time; every oven behaves differently. Best not to rush checking for doneness; a toothpick inserted should come out clean.
- Feel free to play with flavors! Add spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm twist or try mixing in nuts.
Irish soda bread is a timeless classic that’s just waiting for you to bake it. Its simplicity makes it easy to whip up any time of year, not just on St. Patrick’s Day. The mix of buttery goodness and a hint of sweetness is sure to charm anyone who takes a bite. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and let this easy Irish soda bread recipe become a staple in your home. Happy baking!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this bread without raisins?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of raisins or currants, feel free to leave them out completely. The bread is delightful on its own and still has a fantastic flavor from the buttermilk and butter.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute. Mix 1 ¾ cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will provide the acidity needed for proper rising.
How can I tell when the bread is done?
Your loaf is done when it’s golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You can also tap the bottom of the loaf; if it sounds hollow, it’s ready!
Can I add herbs or spices to this recipe?
Definitely! To give your soda bread additional flavors, consider incorporating dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. Just remember to adjust the sweetness slightly if needed!
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📖 Recipe Card
Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This Irish Soda Bread is a delightful mix of flavors and ease, perfect for sharing during St. Patrick’s Day and enjoyed any time. Made with wholesome ingredients like buttermilk and optional whiskey, it’s a quick yet mouthwatering addition to your meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups raisins or currants, optional
- ⅔ cup Irish whiskey such as Jameson, or apple juice or white grape juice, optional
- 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs + 2 yolks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; divided
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F and prepare a nonstick baking sheet with cooking spray. Alternatively, you can preheat a 9-inch cast iron skillet and grease it well with butter.
- If using raisins, soak them in Irish whiskey or juice in a medium bowl while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs and yolks, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, and granulated sugar; whisk until well mixed.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients with a wooden spoon or spatula, being careful not to overmix.
- If using raisins, drain them from the soaking liquid and gently add them to the dough, folding them in carefully without overmixing.
- Turn the dough onto the prepared baking sheet or greased skillet and shape into a round loaf, which may be sticky—this is fine.
- Score a large X on top of the dough about 1/2-inch deep with a knife.
- Brush the remaining tablespoon of melted butter over the dough.
- If desired, sprinkle turbinado or granulated sugar over the surface for added sweetness and crunch.
- Bake for about 45 to 60 minutes, until golden brown outside and cooked through. Check for doneness early to prevent burning.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing. It pairs wonderfully with a pat of butter and can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months.
Notes
For a richer flavor, consider soaking the raisins in whiskey overnight.
This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for later use.
Using a cast iron skillet may yield a crispier crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
