Traditional Irish Soda Bread โ A Family Favorite! ๐
As someone with Irish heritage, Iโve always loved Irish Soda Bread, yet somehow, I only find myself making it once a year for St. Patrickโs Dayโand I have no idea why! This bread is incredibly easy to make, has the most delicious crusty exterior and soft, slightly sweet interior, and is the perfect side for soups, stews, or simply enjoyed warm with butter.
The History & Significance of Irish Soda Bread
Irish Soda Bread dates back to the 1800s in Ireland, when people needed to make affordable, simple bread using basic ingredients. With soft wheat flour, which is lower in gluten, and the use of baking soda instead of yeast, this bread became a staple in Irish households. Traditionally, a cross was cut into the top of the loaf before baking, believed to ward off evil spirits and bless the home.
This bread was essential to Irish families because it was quick to make, required only a few pantry staples, and baked beautifully in cast iron over an open fire. Today, itโs a treasured symbol of Irish tradition and heritage, enjoyed around St. Patrickโs Day and beyond.
Ingredients Youโll Need:
- Flour โ I love using King Arthur brand for consistency and quality
- Sugar โ Organic cane sugar for a pure, natural sweetness
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda โ Gives the bread its signature rise and texture
- Salt โ Enhances flavor
- Butter โ I prefer rich, creamy Irish butter for the best taste
- Raisins โ A touch of sweetness in every bite
- Caraway Seeds โ Adds a unique, traditional flavor
- Buttermilk โ Essential for activating the baking soda and creating a tender crumb
- Heavy Cream โ Adds richness
- Egg โ Helps bind the ingredients and gives a golden color
- Sugar in the Raw โ Sprinkled on top for a slight crunch and beautiful golden finish
How to Make It:
Making this classic Irish Soda Bread is surprisingly simpleโjust mix the dry ingredients, add in the butter, fold in the raisins and caraway seeds, then stir in the buttermilk, cream, and egg to form the dough. After shaping, sprinkle with sugar in the raw , make the traditional cross mark on top and bake until golden brown and irresistible!
Why Youโll Love This Irish Soda Bread:
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No yeast required โ Quick & easy to make!
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Perfectly tender & slightly sweet
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Rich, buttery flavor with traditional Irish roots
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Pairs well with butter, jam, or served alongside a hearty meal
A New Tradition?
This year, Iโm making a promise to myselfโI wonโt just bake this once a year! Irish Soda Bread deserves a spot in my kitchen all year long. If youโve never made it before, give it a try and taste a little piece of Irish tradition for yourself!
Who else loves homemade Irish Soda Bread? Let me know in the comments if you make it! ๐โจ
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- Get a large cast iron or Dutch oven (2″ or more in depth)
- Take a sheet of parchment paper and place into the cast iron or Dutch oven
- I like to lightly grease all around the edges to prevent sticking. I use avocado oil on a paper towel
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt
- Add the melted butter, raisins and caraway seeds. Mix lightly
- Pour in the buttermilk, heavy cream and the beaten egg
- Stir everything together until combined DO NOT OVER MIX
- ONLY mix with a rubber spatula or your hands
- Carefully pour the batter into the parchment lined pan
- Sprinkle the top with the sugar in the raw (optional) and make the traditional cross mark on top
- Bake for 45-60 minutes
- Check in the center at 45 minutes and if it does not come out clean cook for the additional 15 & check every 5 minutes
- Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before removing from the pan
- Slide the parchment paper out from underneath and let cool longer on a baking rack
- Slice and enjoy warm with some Irish butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt
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