Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread
An irresistible classic, Irish Soda Bread has a rustic charm that beautifully balances a chewy crust with a tender, slightly sweet crumb. This easy Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread Recipe will have your kitchen filled with the warm aroma of baking bread in no time. It’s a delightful treat with its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and those new to the kitchen.
Table of Contents
I first discovered the joy of making Irish Soda Bread after a friend shared her family recipe with me on St. Patrick’s Day. The smell of fresh bread baking transported me back to cozy, family gatherings where stories were shared over warm slices slathered in butter. There’s something so comforting and satisfying about a freshly baked loaf, and knowing you made it from scratch adds an extra layer of joy. This version not only captures that homemade essence but is also incredibly easy and budget-friendly, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a slice any day of the year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Get this bread in the oven in just 15 minutes of prep and watch it bake to perfection in under an hour.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttermilk and a touch of sugar creates a delightful sweetness that complements the crust.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: That signature X you score on top not only enhances the crust but also makes for an impressive presentation.
- Flexible Serving: Serve it warm for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or alongside your favorite stew for a hearty dinner.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapted to include vegan substitutes for the eggs and butter or gluten-free flour if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ¾ cups raisins, or currants: Adds natural sweetness; feel free to leave them out if you’re not a fan.
- ⅔ cup Irish whiskey, apple juice, or white grape juice: Optional soaking liquid for the raisins that enhances flavor; use juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Acts as the primary leavening agent for a light texture.
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidity in buttermilk to create a perfect rise.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk: Creates a tender crumb and gives that classic acidity; substitute with milk plus a tablespoon of vinegar if needed.
- 2 large eggs + 2 yolks: Adds richness; the extra whites can be reserved for other dishes like an omelet.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Contributes moisture and richness; use unsalted for better control over flavors.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds light sweetness to the bread.
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar, optional: For a crunchy topping; regular granulated sugar can work in a pinch.
How to Make Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread Recipe
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and thoroughly spray a nonstick baking sheet with cooking spray. If you prefer that lovely crispy crust you get from cast iron, place a well-greased 9-inch skillet in the oven now to preheat alongside.
Soak the Raisins: If you’re using raisins, now is the perfect time to soak them. Place your 1 ¾ cups of raisins or currants in a medium bowl, and cover them with your choice of soaking liquid—either the ⅔ cup of Irish whiskey or apple juice. Let them sit as you prepare the other ingredients.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 3 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ¾ teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This step helps to ensure that all your leavening agents are evenly distributed for the best rise.
Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the 1 ¾ cups of buttermilk, 2 large eggs plus the 2 yolks, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter along with the ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Whisk everything together until fully combined and smooth; this will be where the magic happens for your dough.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula. Be careful not to over-mix; just stir until everything is moist and combined. You want your dough to be a little shaggy and sticky, not overly smooth.
Add the Raisins: If you soaked your raisins, drain them well and gently fold them into the dough until evenly distributed. If you didn’t soak them, feel free to add them straight in! Just remember to be gentle to keep that lovely texture.
Shape the Dough: Turn your sticky dough out onto your prepared baking sheet (or remove your hot skillet and grease it with butter first). Pat it down into a round loaf shape. It’s perfectly okay if it looks a little rustic!
Score the Top: Using a sharp knife, score a large X about ½ inch deep into the top of the dough. This will help the bread expand while baking and create that classic soda bread look.
Butter and Sugar the Top: Brush the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the surface of your loaf. For that extra touch, sprinkle the optional 2 tablespoons of turbinado sugar on top, giving it a lovely sweet crunch.
Bake the Bread: Place the loaf in the oven and bake it for about 45 to 60 minutes until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Don’t forget to rotate your baking sheet halfway through to promote even browning!
Cool Before Serving: Finally, let your bread cool completely before slicing. Allowing it to rest helps set the crumb. Enjoy with a pat of butter or a bit of jam for an extra treat!
Storing & Reheating
To store your Irish Soda Bread, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it will last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat slices in a toaster or warmed oven for about 5-10 minutes. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different after freezing, but a quick toast helps to refresh it!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the bread tender; mix just until combined.
- Make sure all your ingredients, especially the buttermilk and eggs, are at room temperature for best results.
- Experiment with flavors by adding spices like caraway seeds or fresh herbs to the batter.
- For a perfect crust, bake the bread on the middle rack of the oven and keep an eye on it as baking times may vary between ovens.
- Don’t worry if the dough seems wet; that’s normal for soda bread and helps create a beautiful texture.
- You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours; just bring to room temperature before baking.
There’s something special about homemade bread, and this easy Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread Recipe is no exception. With its warm, comforting flavors and quick preparation time, it’s a perfect option for any gathering or a cozy day at home. Experimenting with variations and enjoying it fresh is sure to become a delightful tradition in your household. So roll up your sleeves; the warm sensations of baking are just moments away.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute all or part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and density.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can create a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 ¾ cups of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to sour before using.
Can I leave out the raisins?
Yes, if raisins aren’t your thing, feel free to omit them. The bread will still be delicious and slightly sweet without them.
How do I know when the bread is done?
Your bread is ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Enjoy your baking adventure!
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📖 Recipe Card
Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
Experience the delightful taste of Irish Soda Bread, a simple yet flavorful treat made with basic ingredients like buttermilk and flour. Perfect for any meal or occasion, this bread will entice your taste buds and complement your dining table beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups raisins, or currants, optional*
- ⅔ cup irish whiskey such as jameson, or apple juice or white grape juice, optional
- 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk*
- 2 large eggs + 2 yolks, use the extra whites for an omelette or scrambled eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; divided
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar, optional (granulated sugar may be substituted)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and coat a nonstick baking sheet with cooking spray or prepare a 9-inch cast iron skillet by greasing it and placing it in the oven to heat up.
- If using raisins, soak them in Irish whiskey or juice in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs and yolks, 3 tablespoons melted butter, and granulated sugar.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently with a wooden spoon or spatula, being careful not to overmix.
- If using soaked raisins, drain them and fold into the dough without overmixing.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet or greased cast iron skillet. Form it into a round loaf.
- Score an X on top of the loaf about ½-inch deep with a large knife.
- Evenly brush the surface of the dough with the last tablespoon of melted butter.
- Sprinkle with turbinado sugar for added sweetness and crunch, if desired.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, rotating midway if needed. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Once baked, let it cool completely before slicing and serving. It's delicious with a pat of butter.
Notes
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar.
For best results, allow the bread to cool before cutting to maintain its moisture and texture.
Store the bread in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
