Irish American Soda Bread
A wonderfully dense yet tender quick bread that requires no yeast. This version, popular in the US, is slightly sweet, studded with raisins and caraway seeds, and comes together in under an hour. Perfect with a slather of butter.
For 8 servings
8 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare Oven and Pan (5 minutes): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine Dry Ingredients (2 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- 3
Cut in the Butter (3 minutes): Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture
- a.Using a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Mix Wet Ingredients (1 minute): In a separate medium bowl, whisk the chilled buttermilk and the lightly beaten egg together until smooth.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Form the Dough (2 minutes): Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a fork or spatula just until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the raisins and caraway seeds.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Shape and Score the Loaf (2 minutes): Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead very gently 4-5 times, just enough to bring it together into a cohesive ball. Shape it into a round loaf, about 7 inches in diameter, and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp, floured knife, score a deep 'X' (about 1/2-inch deep) across the top of the loaf.
- 7
Bake the Bread (45 minutes): Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes
- a.The bread is done when it's deep golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Cool Before Serving: Transfer the hot bread to a wire rack to cool completely, or for at least 30-45 minutes. Slicing it while too hot can result in a gummy texture. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not overwork the dough. The key to a tender soda bread is minimal handling. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- 2Keep your butter and buttermilk very cold. This creates steam pockets during baking, resulting in a lighter, more tender crumb.
- 3If you don't have buttermilk, make a substitute by adding 1.5 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1.5 cups of regular milk. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes to curdle.
- 4The chemical reaction between the baking soda and buttermilk starts immediately. Work quickly once you combine the wet and dry ingredients to get the best rise.
- 5The cross cut on top isn't just for tradition; it helps the dense center of the loaf cook through evenly.
- 6For a softer crust, you can brush the top of the hot loaf with a little melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruit and Nut
Replace raisins with other dried fruits like currants, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots. Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
Whole WheatWhole Wheat
For a heartier loaf, substitute 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with 1 cup of whole wheat flour. You may need an extra tablespoon or two of buttermilk as whole wheat flour is more absorbent.
Savory HerbSavory Herb
Omit the sugar, raisins, and caraway seeds. Add 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives, and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary for a savory version.
Orange ZestOrange Zest
Add the zest of one large orange to the dry ingredients for a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the raisins.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Quick Energy
The carbohydrates from the flour and sugar provide a quick and accessible source of energy, making this bread a satisfying snack or breakfast item.
Contains Dietary Fiber
Raisins are a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and can help promote a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Minerals
Raisins and caraway seeds contribute small amounts of essential minerals like iron, potassium, and magnesium to the bread.
Frequently asked questions
This version of soda bread is more of a treat than a health food. It contains refined flour and added sugar. However, it provides quick energy from carbohydrates and some fiber from raisins. For a healthier version, consider using part whole wheat flour and reducing the sugar.