Name: Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick's Day Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Irish
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)

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Irish soda bread is a hearty, rustic loaf that captures the essence of Irish baking. Its unique combination of ingredients creates a delightful texture: crisp on the outside while remaining soft and tender on the inside. What makes this bread stand out is its simplicity; there’s no yeast required, which means no waiting around for dough to rise. Perfect for slathering with butter or pairing with a bowl of soup, Irish soda bread is a must-have for your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations—or any day, really!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread Recipe

Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick's Day Bread Recipe

The first time I made this bread, I was delighted by how effortlessly it came together. It felt like I had unlocked a piece of culinary tradition right in my kitchen, inviting a cozy atmosphere and delicious aroma that quickly filled the air. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create a loaf that rivals what you’d find in any Irish bakery. Give this easy Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread Recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at just how satisfying homemade bread can be!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for those busy moments when a quick homemade bread is desired.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttermilk and a hint of sugar gives the bread an inviting flavor that’s both wholesome and comforting.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The attractive crosscut on top not only looks impressive but also helps in evenly baking the bread.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it warm for breakfast, as a snack in the afternoon, or as the perfect side to your favorite meal.
Diet-Friendly Options: It can easily accommodate dietary restrictions—just leave out the raisins for a plain loaf!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ¾ cups raisins or currants, optional: These add a sweet, chewy texture to your bread. If you prefer, feel free to omit them altogether or substitute with dried cranberries.
⅔ cup Irish whiskey (such as Jameson) or apple juice or white grape juice, optional: Using whiskey enhances flavor, but juice works well for a non-alcoholic version.
4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your bread, providing the perfect structure. Make sure to measure accurately for the best results.
3 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Essential for leavening, baking powder helps the bread rise without yeast.
¾ teaspoon baking soda: This works with the acidity of the buttermilk to further help the bread rise and keep it fluffy.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness in the bread.
1 ¾ cups buttermilk: The acidity brings out a rich flavor and helps tenderize the dough, making it soft.
2 large eggs + 2 yolks: Eggs provide moisture and richness. Save the extra whites for a tasty omelet!
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; divided: This adds moisture and rich flavor. Use unsalted for more control over the salt content.
¼ cup granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness that counterbalances the salt and buttermilk.
2 tablespoons turbinado sugar, optional: This gives a nice crunch and sweetness on the crust—feel free to substitute it with granulated sugar if preferred.

How to Make Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread Recipe

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a nonstick baking sheet generously with cooking spray and set it aside. If you prefer, you can use a 9-inch cast iron skillet instead. To make sure it’s ready when the dough is, place the skillet in the oven to heat up.

Soak the Raisins: If you’re adding raisins or currants, now’s the time to give them a soak! Place them in a medium bowl and pour your chosen soaking liquid—Irish whiskey or juice—over them. Let them sit while you prepare the rest of the dough.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 4 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 3 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ¾ teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these together well, ensuring there are no lumps, then set this mix aside.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of buttermilk, 2 large eggs plus 2 yolks, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Whisk until everything is homogenous and well-combined.

Combine Wet and Dry: Pour your wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix gently until everything is just combined. Remember, don’t overmix; it’s okay if it looks a little shaggy.

Fold in the Raisins: If you’re using soaked raisins, drain off the liquid and gently fold them into the dough with your spatula. Avoid overmixing to help keep the bread light and airy.

Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto your prepared baking sheet (or take the hot cast-iron skillet out of the oven), and pat it into a round loaf shape. Don’t worry if it feels a bit sticky—this is normal!

Score the Top: Using a sharp knife, make a large X on the top of the loaf, cutting about ½-inch deep. This helps the bread to bake evenly and gives it that classic soda bread look.

Brush with Butter: Brush the remaining tablespoon of melted butter over the surface of your dough to add flavor and richness.

Sprinkle with Sugar: For a touch of sweetness and a crunchy crust, sprinkle the top with 2 tablespoons of turbinado sugar (or additional granulated sugar).

Bake the Bread: Place the bread into the oven and bake it for about 45 to 60 minutes. Look for a lovely golden-brown crust and ensure it’s cooked through by checking the center with a toothpick—it should come out clean. If you’re using cast iron, keep an eye on it as it may bake a bit quicker.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. For serving, I recommend generous pats of butter that melt into the warm loaf. This bread can stay airtight at room temperature for about 4 days, but it’s also freezer-friendly for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s sealed well.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Irish soda bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you need a longer shelf life, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature. For a fresh taste, you can rewarm slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, just until warm.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough can make the bread tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined!
Use room temperature ingredients: Room-temperature eggs help the batter mix evenly.
Baking time varies: Check for doneness at the 45-minute mark; baking times can vary based on your oven.
Check rising agent potency: Baking powder and baking soda lose effectiveness over time, so ensure they’re fresh for the best results!
Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to swap out raisins for nuts or other dried fruits to add your own twist!

Irish soda bread is a beautiful and simple way to celebrate the flavors of Ireland in your own home. With its warm, inviting flavor and delightful texture, this bread is not just a treat for special occasions but also perfect for everyday meals. I encourage you to experiment and make it your own—perhaps by adding different herbs or spices. You may find that it becomes a favorite in your house just as it has in mine. Enjoy each slice!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this bread without raisins?

Absolutely! The recipe is fully adaptable—just omit the raisins or replace them with your favorite dried fruits. You can also experiment with different flavorings to suit your taste!

What can I serve with Irish soda bread?

This bread pairs wonderfully with butter, jam, or even a slice of cheese. It can also complement soups and stews perfectly, adding heartiness to your meal.

Is Irish soda bread the same as traditional yeast bread?

Not exactly! Unlike traditional yeast bread, which requires fermentation and rising, Irish soda bread uses baking powder and baking soda for leavening. This means it’s faster and easier to make, perfect for those last-minute bread cravings.

How do I know when the bread is done?

The best way to check for doneness is to tap the bottom of the loaf lightly; if it sounds hollow, it’s done. You can also use a toothpick—insert it into the center, and it should come out clean when the bread is fully cooked.