Irish Soda Bread

4.66 from 52 votes

This Irish Soda Bread recipe is a rustic, mildly sweet quick bread that doesn't require any yeast at all. It is so easy and super quick to put together, a great crusty exterior, and keeps well for days.

Prep Time10

Cook Time45

Total Time55

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Irish

Keyword: bread, irish soda bread

Servings:

Calories: 292kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

12-inch Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients

3½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar granulated
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1¾ cup buttermilk
2 tablespoon butter unsalted, melted
2 large eggs

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a skillet with cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in the chocolate chips.
In a smaller bowl whisk together the buttermilk, eggs and butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and combine with a wooden spoon. Dust your hands with a little bit of flour and knead the dough, either in the bowl if it's large enough, or over your floured work surface. Knead it gently just until you can form a rough ball. Do not over knead the dough.
Place the dough in the skillet and score the top in an X shape or a couple lines about an inch in depth, to help cook the center.
Bake for 45 minutes to an hour.
Let the bread cool in the skillet for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve the bread warm or at room temperature with butter or jam, if desired.

Video

Notes

Flour: If your dough is too wet, add a bit more flour, a little bit at a time. The dough should just come together into a ball. Do not over knead.
Storage: Irish soda bread can dry out quickly, so it is best to store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to preserve it longer. You can store it like this for about 3 to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
The secret is to not over knead the dough! You just want to knead it until it comes all together enough to form a ball so you can place it in the skillet.
Don't have a skillet? You could use a regular baking sheet instead!
With just a touch of sweetness, this bread can be enjoyed for breakfast with a nice hot cup of coffee or tea (with a splash of Irish cream, of course).

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