Name: Irish-American Soda Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Irish-American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 4 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces; 1 3/4 cups buttermilk; 1 large egg; 1 cup raisins or currants; 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional)

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Nothing signals comfort and tradition quite like the aroma of freshly baked Irish-American Soda Bread wafting from your oven. This rustic loaf brings together a beautiful, golden crust and a tender crumb studded with plump raisins and, if you like a twist, a hint of caraway. Perfect for breakfast or teatime, it symbolizes a cozy table and shared moments, reflecting time-honored baking made delightfully simple for the home kitchen.

Irish-American Soda Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of Irish-American Soda Bread is how you start with humble pantry staples, each bringing its own charm. The magic is in the balance: flour for structure, tangy buttermilk for rise, a dash of sugar for sweetness, and—if you’re feeling fancy—caraway and raisins for little sparks of flavor and texture.

All-purpose flour: Provides the body and softness in every slice; don’t substitute with bread flour or you’ll lose that tender crumb!
Granulated sugar: Just enough to give a touch of sweetness and promote browning.
Baking soda: Activates with the buttermilk, creating the bread’s classic rise—no yeast needed!
Salt: Balances the flavors perfectly so your loaf isn’t bland.
Unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Creates those lovely flakes and rich flavor—keep it ice-cold for best results.
Buttermilk: Provides essential acid for leavening, and brings that signature tang.
Large egg: Adds moisture and helps bind the loaf together for easy slicing.
Raisins or currants: Offer lovely chewy sweet bursts—swap with dried cranberries if you’re feeling adventurous.
Caraway seeds (optional): For a traditional flavor note with a gentle herbal twist; totally up to your crowd’s taste.

How to Make Irish-American Soda Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Surface

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your dough is. Either line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give your trusty cast-iron skillet a light greasing. This sets the stage for your bread’s lovely crust.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute everything evenly—nobody wants to bite into a pocket of salt or baking soda!

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add those small cubes of cold butter straight into the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work them in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This is your ticket to a tender, flaky crumb, so don’t overwork it.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a smaller bowl, whisk the buttermilk with the egg. This creates a creamy, smooth mixture that helps the dough come together nicely and adds richness.

Step 5: Combine and Add Extras

Make a little well in the center of your flour mixture, pour in the buttermilk-egg combo, then add raisins and caraway seeds (if you’re using them). Gently stir, just until a rough dough forms. It’s important not to overmix, as that can toughen your bread.

Step 6: Knead and Shape the Loaf

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead just until it all holds together—no need for perfection here. Shape it into a rustic round loaf and set it on your prepared sheet or skillet.

Step 7: Slash and Bake

Using a sharp knife, cut a deep X (about 1/2 inch) across the top of the dough. This dramatic flourish helps the loaf cook evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, until it’s golden and a skewer comes out clean. Let your Irish-American Soda Bread cool a bit before slicing so it holds together beautifully.

How to Serve Irish-American Soda Bread

Garnishes

A pat of rich butter melting over a steaming slice is classic, but I also love it with a dollop of fruit preserves or a drizzle of honey. For special occasions, sprinkle a bit more sugar on top just before baking for an extra crunch!

Side Dishes

This bread shines beside a creamy soup—think potato leek or tomato—or as part of a breakfast spread with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. The sweetness of the raisins pairs perfectly with sharp cheeses, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing wedges and serving on a wooden board with butter, jam, and cheese for a brunchy centerpiece. Or, toast leftovers and top with smoked salmon and herbed cream cheese for a sophisticated twist. Irish-American Soda Bread is so versatile, you’ll keep inventing new favorites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (it’s rare around here), wrap your Irish-American Soda Bread tightly in plastic or foil and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. It stays moist and flavorful for snacking or breakfast toast.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Once fully cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, let it thaw at room temperature unwrapped so it doesn’t collect any condensation.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop slices in a toaster or warm the whole loaf in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. This revives the crust and brings the crumb back to life—almost like it’s fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I make Irish-American Soda Bread without raisins?

Absolutely! The raisins are traditional but entirely optional. Feel free to omit them or replace with dried cranberries, currants, or even a handful of chopped nuts for a custom loaf.

Why is buttermilk important for this recipe?

Buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to help your bread rise and become tender. Its acidity also lends the bread that signature tangy flavor you won’t get with plain milk.

How do I know when my Irish-American Soda Bread is fully baked?

The bread should have a golden-brown crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. For extra insurance, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean when the loaf is ready.

What if I don’t have a pastry cutter?

No problem! Just use your fingers to quickly rub the butter into the flour. Work fast so the butter stays cold; those little cool bits are what create a flaky, soft texture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can try plant-based butter and a dairy-free buttermilk substitute (like soy milk with a splash of lemon juice). The flavor will be a little different, but you’ll still get a wonderful loaf of Irish-American Soda Bread.

Final Thoughts

If you love the nostalgia of home-baked treats and the simplicity of quick breads, Irish-American Soda Bread deserves a place in your kitchen rotation. There’s a reason this recipe is passed from generation to generation—it’s easy, hearty, and downright delicious. Go ahead, gather a few ingredients, and let the cozy baking magic begin!

Irish-American Soda Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Irish-American Soda Bread is a classic quick bread recipe that combines the traditional flavors of Ireland with the American twist of raisins or currants. This easy-to-make bread is perfect for breakfast or as a side for soups and stews.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
1 3/4 cups buttermilk
1 large egg
1 cup raisins or currants
1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a cast-iron skillet.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Add butter: Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Mix wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg.
Combine ingredients: Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk mixture. Add raisins and caraway seeds if using. Stir until dough comes together.
Knead and shape: Turn dough onto a floured surface, knead gently, shape into a round loaf, and place on prepared pan.
Bake: Cut an “X” on top of the loaf, bake for 35-45 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy!