Classic Irish Soda Bread is a quick bread recipe without using any yeast or eggs. Instead we use baking soda and buttermilk for leavening. So simple, easy and delicious! This homemade tender bread is done in 30 minutes. It will become your favorite thanks to raisins soaked in whiskey! Traditional, the Irish way!
This classic soda bread recipe produces a dense quick bread in only 30 minutes! Talk about quick bread that is also egg-free. That’s right. True Irish bread uses no eggs. Zero. And I will show you how to make it! Crusty on top, yet tender inside. This homemade bread is very close to the savory version of traditional Irish bread, but has a slight touch of sweetness. Perfect for St. Patrick’s and beyond!
This classic soda bread recipe produces a dense quick bread in only 30 minutes! Talk about quick bread that is also egg-free. That’s right. True Irish bread uses no eggs. Zero. And I will show you how to make it! Crusty on top, yet tender inside. This homemade bread is very close to the savory version of traditional Irish bread, but has a slight touch of sweetness. Perfect for St. Patrick’s and beyond!How do you make classic Irish Soda bread?
Like many non-Irish cooks, when I think of St. Patrick’s Day, I want corned beef, cabbage, whiskey and Irish soda bread. But what exactly is soda bread? The traditional ingredients of Irish soda bread are simple. You will use flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. Because the buttermilk contains lactic acid, it will react with the baking soda. This reaction will produce little bubbles. In turn, these carbon dioxide bubbles will make the dough rise. Quickly. Hence the quick bread.
And did you know that traditional soda bread includes no eggs? Otherwise it is more of a tea cake than Irish bread. By the way, if you want more family favorite bread recipes, you might like this Southern Quick Bread.
How to get the most flavorful raisins
Soaking always works! I soak raisins in whiskey for 1 hour. But you can also use brandy or cognac instead.
What kind of raisins to use in the Quick Bread
If you love raisins, any dried raisins will work in this quick bread recipe. You can use dark ones. Or, light ones. I even used dried cherries and apricots in my soda breads.
How to mix the dough of the Soda Bread
- First, you will mix dry ingredients. Once you mix them, pour in buttermilk.
- Using hands, mix until well combined. Only for a couple of minutes. Do not overwork or knead the dough.
- Then, you will form the dough into a ball. One large ball. Place it on a cast iron skillet. You can also use a greased baking sheet or a dutch oven.
- Lastly, bake at 425 F. for 30 minutes.
How to ensure even cooking
Very simple! You will need to score the bread before it goes into the oven. And I will show you how to do it. Using a sharp knife, you will cut the bread all the way down into four equal parts. Yes. All the way down. By the way, you can thank Paul Hollywood from GBBS for this cooking tip. He did a delicious masterclass on quick breads, including soda breads. Being a classic baker, he also made egg-free quick bread. Actually I based this recipe on his version.
As a result you will have 4 separate bread sections in your skillet. They will be very close to each other. It’s easy to do it if you make an “X” shape. This will ensure proper even baking for a quick loaf. And don’t worry about four separate parts. Because they will come together as the dough expands in the oven.
What kind of sugar to sprinkle on top of yoursoda bread
I sprinked mine with Turbinado sugar. But you can also use any other coarse sugar. Just make sure that sugar you use is large grain.
Enjoy this traditional Irish soda bread with a glass of milk! Or, wine. Well, whiskey will be great too.
Irish Soda Bread
Delicious quick bread in 30 minutes!
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup Irish whisky for soaking raisins
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tbsp turbinado sugar + more for sprinkling
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Soak raisins in whiskey for 1 hour in a medium bowl.
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- In a mixing bowl, add flour, soda, sugar and baking soda, and whisk the dry ingredients together.
- Drain raisins and add them to the dry mixture.
- Pour in buttermilk into the mixing bowl with the dry ingredients. Using hands, mix until well combined only for a couple of minutes (do not overwork or knead the dough).
- Form into a ball and place on a cast iron skillet, greased baking sheet or dutch oven. Using the knife, cut the bread all the way down into four equal parts in an "X" shape. This will ensure proper and fast baking. Four separate parts will connect as the dough expands in the oven.
- Sprinkle with Turbinado sugar. Bake for 30 minutes or until outside is browned.
Nutrition Facts
Irish Soda Bread
Amount Per Serving
Calories 523 Calories from Fat 18
% Daily Value*
Fat 2g3%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Cholesterol 4mg1%
Sodium 461mg20%
Potassium 335mg10%
Carbohydrates 109g36%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 14g28%
Vitamin A 75IU2%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 74mg7%
Iron 6mg33%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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