Irish Soda Bread

By Jeannette Ferrary

Updated October 11, 2023

Total Time
45 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Rating
4(185)
Comments
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Featured in: Irish Food: A Cuisine That Warms the Cockles of the Heart

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Ingredients

Yield:Two loaves

  • 2 cups whole-wheat flour

  • 2 cups unbleached white flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 3 teaspoons baking powder

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 4 tablespoons butter or margarine, cut in small pieces, plus enough to grease the pans

  • 1 egg, beaten

  • 1 ¾ cups sour milk or buttermilk, approximately

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving

52 grams carbs; 41 milligrams cholesterol; 320 calories; 2 grams monosaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 5 grams saturated fat; 9 grams fat; 4 grams fiber; 326 milligrams sodium; 10 grams protein; 6 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

  2. Step 2

    In a food processor or large bowl, mix all dry ingredients together.

  3. Step 3

    Add butter or margarine and mix until texture resembles coarse meal.

  4. Step 4

    Add egg and enough milk to make a soft dough.

  5. Step 5

    Knead or process until smooth.

  6. Step 6

    Divide into two loaves. Place each in a greased 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until golden.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
185 user ratings
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Comments

Rich G

I'm guessing, but maybe the acidity of the buttermilk reacts with the baking soda and gives the bread its rise?

Alison R.

I worked the little butter pieces in with my fingers. Make sure you have a good amount of flour handy for kneading - the dough is very sticky. I put the whole dough into a 9" cake pan (instead of dividing it) and made the traditional X cut across the top with a steak knife. Baked for 40 minutes. Served with salted butter because it definitely needs salt - I would add 1/2 tsp salt if I were to make again. Delicious!

Julian

I added a handful of currants to the flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt; pulsed the dry ingredients with the butter pieces. Texture at 35 minutes is perfect!

Lorna

I made this entirely in the food processor. So easy! Next time I would add more sugar or honey plus some dried fruit.

Danny

This is a great base. Add 1 cups of raisins and half a teaspoon of salt. Then it’s perfect. Without the raisins it’s just a little bland. My go to recipe.

MMS

I made this today. I liked the enriched dough. Made in a 9 inch cake pan. Tender crumb and great flavor.

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