Raisins are optional, but I’m a big fan of raisins in bread, particularly if I’m going to be enjoying it for breakfast. This Irish Soda recipe is delicious spread with Kerrygold butter and served with a hot cup of coffee in the morning. This Irish soda bread is slightly sweet, with a crisp outer crust and a somewhat dense yet soft and airy texture. You’re going to love it! If you’re interested in more easy quick bread recipes, check out my rich Peanut Butter Bread, or classic Banana Bread. You can also use your bread machine to make a delicious Thyme Bread Loaf or Oatmeal Bread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a bread recipe to make with yeast, try my breadmaker bread recipe, or these delicious Texas Roadhouse rolls.
Key Ingredients
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Flour: Regular all-purpose flour is the main ingredient in this and most other bread recipes. Baking powder, baking soda, and salt: Baking soda and baking powder allow this bread to rise perfectly. A bit of salt balances out the sweetness. Sugar: My version of Irish soda bread is slightly sweeter than you may have had before. I think that this makes it perfect for breakfast or snacking. Butter: For this recipe, you should use cold butter, cut into cubes. We will use a pastry cutting method to incorporate the butter into the mixture, which gives the bread lots of air pockets when it bakes. Or you can do that using a standmixer.Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a specific tangy and rich flavor to Irish soda bread, and gives it the perfect tender texture. Egg: Let your egg come to room temperature before you start mixing. This will help it incorporate into the dough more easily. Raisins or Currents: These are optional, but add interest and extra sweetness.
How to Make Irish Soda Bread
Irish Soda Bread Tips
Scoring the Bread is Important: If you don’t score an X into the bread before baking, the loaf won’t be able to rise as much and you’ll end up with a very dense final product.For a More Traditional Flavor: Add about ¼ cup of caraway seeds into the dough! Buttermilk is Key: This is probably the most important ingredient. It’s what gives Irish soda bread that specific tangy and rich flavor that you love. Don’t overmix: This is a delicate recipe that will not benefit from overmixing. Mix as little as possible, just to combine the ingredients to keep the soda bread light and fluffy.
What to Serve with Irish Soda Bread
Are you planning a St. Patrick’s Day feast? You are going to want to try some of these Irish-inspired recipes. Corned Beef and Cabbage: My recipe for Instant Pot Corned Beef is the easiest way to make a flavorful Irish brisket roast with all of the fixings, including cabbage, carrots, and potatoes! If you’d rather make a stew than a roast, try this recipe for Irish Lamb Stew. It’s ready in an hour and the perfect bowl of comfort food. Serve it over Colcannon (Irish mashed potatoes with greens). Looking for green food for St. Patrick’s Day? Make Green Tea Waffles for breakfast, or a sweet Shamrock Shake for dessert! Enjoy this easy quick bread recipe this March, or make it as a breakfast treat whenever it sounds good to you! Be sure to Pin it for later. © Little Sunny Kitchen
