Authentic Irish Soda Bread Recipe – A Quick & Easy Homemade Delight
This easy Irish-American Soda Bread comes together in just 5 minutes of hands-on time—no kneading, no proofing required! It has a soft, tender crumb with a texture similar to biscuits. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or alongside soups and stews.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus ¼ cup for dusting
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 6 Tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed (+ ½ Tbsp for greasing)
- 1 ¾ cups cold low-fat buttermilk (or kefir)
- 1 large cold egg
- 1 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with ½ Tbsp butter.
2️⃣ Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
3️⃣ Cut in butter: Add cold cubed butter and use your fingers to work it into the flour until crumbs form. Stir in raisins (if using).
4️⃣ Add wet ingredients: In a measuring cup, whisk buttermilk and egg. Pour into the flour mixture and stir just until moistened (dough will be shaggy).
5️⃣ Shape dough: Transfer to a floured surface and gently form into a round loaf (don’t overwork it).
6️⃣ Bake: Place in the skillet, score a deep “X” on top, and bake for 50–55 min until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
7️⃣ Cool: Transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
✔ Use cold ingredients (butter, buttermilk, egg) for the best texture.
✔ Don’t overmix—the dough should be shaggy and just barely hold together.
✔ Score the top deeply (at least ½-inch deep) to help the bread bake evenly.
✔ Best eaten fresh (within 2 days) but can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Calories: 259 kcal per slice
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 5g