Description
This authentic Irish Soda Bread honors traditional methods while delivering a crusty exterior, tender crumb, and foolproof results—ready in under an hour with just four essential ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (510g)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1¾ cups buttermilk (410g)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- Optional: 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- Optional: 1 cup raisins or dried currants
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the rack in the center.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl.
- If using raisins or caraway seeds, add them now.
- Create a well in the center and pour in the cold buttermilk.
- Gently stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 1 minute.
- Shape into a round loaf about 1½ inches thick.
- Place on a baking sheet and score a deep cross on top.
- Bake 30–35 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool briefly before slicing.
Notes
Handle the dough gently to avoid toughness and always use fresh baking soda for the best rise.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 loaf)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Irish soda bread, traditional Irish bread, quick bread, buttermilk bread