Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda bread recipe is a simple quick bread that does not require yeast. Baking powder, baking soda and salt are used to make it rise and it does not need to proof.

This bread is a bit sweeter than many of the traditional soda breads and much moister. This recipe does not need to be  kneaded so it comes together very quickly.

While some Irish Soda bread recipes tend to be a little dry and taste better toasted, this bread does not need toasting. It is moister than most, almost like a cake. Serve it with a little soft butter and it is delicious.

Irish Soda Bread is always a hit for St. Patrick’s Day. Check out Colcannon, Guinness Beef Stew, Boxty,  Chocolate Guinness Cake,Bangers and Mash and Dubliner Cheese Dip for some other recipes to celebrate the day.

SOME THINGS TO KNOW:

• Currants and raisins are both sweet dried fruits that come from different varieties of grapes. If you can not find currants for this recipe you can substitute raisins.
• You do not have to purchase buttermilk for this recipe. Directions to make it yourself are in the notes.
• Irish Soda Bread is best the day it is served. It will keep for up to a day.
• You can slice and toast any leftover bread. Served with butter it is delicious.
• This bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly and place it into an airtight freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.

Irish Soda Bread

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Serves: 6 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons butter, softened and divided(1 stick)
• 2 eggs, well beaten
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 and 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 1 and 3⁄4 cups buttermilk *see note
• 3⁄4 cup currants
• 1 tablespoon caraway seeds

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees

Take 2 tablespoons of the softened butter and evenly coat either a 10″ cake pan or a 10″ cast iron skillet.

Take the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and melt in a small saucepan. Cool slightly.

Stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Mix well. Add the currants to the flour mixture and set aside.

Whisk together the buttermilk, eggs and melted butter. Add to the flour mixture along with the caraway seeds.

Mix until just blended. Taking care not to over mix.

Spoon the batter into your prepared pan or skillet.

Bake until golden brown for about 50 minutes. Make sure that the top is completely firm and set before removing from the oven.

Irish Soda Bread was last modified: April 30th, 2023 by Sue O'Connell

Notes

You can easily make your own buttermilk if you do not want to purchase it just for this recipe. For each cup of milk, add either 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes. For this recipe you would need one and 3⁄4 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to add to the one and 3⁄4 cups of milk.