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Irish Soda Bread

March 1, 2018 47 Comments

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Irish Soda Bread Long Pinterest Pin

This Irish Soda Bread is a family favorite for St. Patrick’s Day! It’s incredibly moist and loaded with currants and golden raisins.

Overhead photo of slices of Irish Soda Bread on a plate with a round container of butter, a sliver knife on a blue background.

Growing up, there was always freshly baked Irish Soda Bread and corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick’s Day at our house. It was a feast worthy of a true Irishman. We don’t have one iota of Irish in us, but on St. Patrick’s Day we were Irish and loved every minute of it! And every bite of it too!

Overhead photo of slices of Irish Soda Bread on a plate with a round container of butter, a sliver knife on a blue background.

If you’re a regular follower of the blog, you know my mother was an awesome cook, but she was not a baker. So when it came to the recipe for Irish Soda Bread she brought in the big guns. She called on a good family friend who was legit Irish. Now authentic Irish Soda Bread does not have raisins or caraway seeds. It’s more of a plain, everyday white soda bread, but many people do add them. My mother’s version has currants, golden raisins and caraway seeds.

What is Irish Soda Bread?

It’s a type of quick bread that features sodium bicarbonate as a leavening agent instead of yeast.

Was soda bread invented by the Irish?

Technically no. The Irish were not the first people to use bicarbonate of soda in bread-making. Native Americans were the first to use pearl-ash or potash (a natural soda in wood ashes) in their breads to make them rise. The Irish adopted soda bread in the 1800s.

A loaf of Irish Soda Bread in a pie plate on a wire rack with a sharp knife.

My mom always baked her soda bread in a pie plate, but you can also just place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Some things you’ll need to know: the dough will be very shaggy and sticky, you don’t want to over-knead the dough or it will be tough, and you’ll want to score the top of the dough with an X about an inch and a half deep. This will guarantee the heat gets to the center of the loaf as it’s baking.

You’ll love how moist the loaf is. And I think you’ll also enjoy the currants and the golden raisins. I love caraway seeds, but if you’re not a fan, just omit them. This bread is perfect plain or lightly toasted with butter.

Three slices of Irish Soda Bread stacked on a plate with a silver knife and a round container of butter.

I hope this recipe becomes a tradition at your house for St. Patrick’s Day too! And if you’re planning ahead and looking for other delicious St. Patrick’s Day recipes try my Bangers and Mash with Guinness Onion Gravy and my Reuben Poppers. Enjoy!

I’ll be sharing a special post this Saturday as part of a virtual baby shower in honor of my friend Katherine from Love In My Oven. Hope you have a chance to stop back to catch the recipe! I’ll be channeling spring and PINK!

 

Overhead photo of plate with slices of Irish Soda Bread, butter in a small round dish and a silver knife.
Print
Irish Soda Bread
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 15 mins
Total Time
1 hr 35 mins
 

This Irish Soda Bread is a family favorite for St. Patrick's Day! It's incredibly moist and loaded with currants and golden raisins.

Course: Breakfast
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 457 kcal
Author: MaryAnn Dwyer
Ingredients
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 2 Tbsp. caraway seeds
  • 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 2 cups cold buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup dried currants
  • 1 cup golden raisins
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously spray a 9x2-inch deep pie plate with nonstick cooking spray.

  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together 4 1/4 cups flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and caraway seeds. Add the butter and mix on low speed until coarse crumbs form. 

  3. In a small bowl, lightly whisk together the buttermilk and the egg. With the mixer on low, slowly add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture just until incorporated.

  4. Toss the currants and raisins with the remaining 1/4 cup flour, and add to the dough. Dough will be sticky. Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface. Knead a few times and form into a round, domed loaf. Place into prepared pie plate. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep X in the top of the loaf. Bake until the loaf is cooked though and a tester inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool in the pie plate for 15 minutes, then move to wire rack to cool completely. Can be served warm with butter or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts
Irish Soda Bread
Amount Per Serving
Calories 457 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Fat 10g15%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Cholesterol 40mg13%
Sodium 389mg17%
Potassium 507mg14%
Carbohydrates 84g28%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 35g39%
Protein 9g18%
Vitamin A 345IU7%
Vitamin C 1.7mg2%
Calcium 151mg15%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

BEFORE YOUR FIRST BITE, SNAP A PHOTO & SHARE!

If you make this recipe, I'd love to see! Be sure to follow thebeachhousekitchen on Instagram and tag #thebeachhousekitchen

Thanks so much!

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Filed Under: Breads Tagged With: bread, caraway seeds, currants, golden raisins, Irish, St. Patrick's Day

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Comments

  1. Chris Scheuer says

    March 1, 2018 at 7:06 am

    I didn’t grow up even knowing what soda bread was but I’m happy to know about it now and to have this delicious looking recipe! A perfect way to start the month of March!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 1, 2018 at 10:29 am

      I agree Chris! St. Patrick’s Day is getting closer, but no problem with starting early!

      Reply
  2. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    March 1, 2018 at 7:37 am

    Both boy and I are part Irish, but for some reason we don’t really go full out and celebrate St. Patty’s day… probably because we are old and boring. Lol. But, you can be dang sure this soda bread will be making an appearance this year! I absolutely love the addition of raisins and seeds, Mare!!! I could legit make a meal out of just this bread!! Pinned! Cheers! xoxo

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 1, 2018 at 10:30 am

      Ha! This is one of my favorite breads Chey! I love the currants, raisins and caraway. Even if it’s not authentic, I think it totally boosts the flavor of the bread!

      Reply
  3. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

    March 1, 2018 at 8:11 am

    Now you have me craving a big hunk of this with bangers and mash and it’s only morning! I could legit eat this right now for b fast! Love all the flavours with the caraway and raisins. Pinned! Looking forward to seeing you back here for Katherine’s baby shower :)

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 1, 2018 at 10:31 am

      Then my job for the day is done Dawn! Time for me to relax and kick my feet up!

      Reply
  4. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

    March 1, 2018 at 8:28 am

    So nice and I love that you baked it in a pie plate :) This looks like the perfect side for Irish celebrations!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 1, 2018 at 10:31 am

      My mom always did it that way Jennifer. I LOVE it for St. Patrick’s Day!

      Reply
  5. annie@ciaochowbambina says

    March 1, 2018 at 9:33 am

    Mine never comes out moist. I can’t wait to try your recipe…my family will wonder who took over the kitchen! ;) :)

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 1, 2018 at 10:31 am

      I think you’ll really LOVE this recipe Annie! Let me know!

      Reply
  6. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says

    March 1, 2018 at 10:17 am

    My family has Irish blood on both sides but we never had Irish soda bread around, even on St. Patrick’s Day. My parents will be in town this weekend so I think I’ll make this for them and complain about all I missed out on :). It sounds delicious! PS, can’t wait to see your recipe for the shower!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 1, 2018 at 10:32 am

      Lol! Hope you all love it Kelsie!

      Reply
  7. Gerlinde says

    March 1, 2018 at 10:29 am

    I would like to have to a piece or your good looking Irish bread smothered with butter and honey right now. It would make the perfect breakfast.

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 1, 2018 at 10:32 am

      Yes it would Gerlinde! My mom’s recipe is my fave!

      Reply
  8. Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says

    March 1, 2018 at 10:32 am

    I’ve never made soda bread before! This looks delish!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 1, 2018 at 10:33 am

      So good and so easy Jennifer! Makes a really large loaf too, so sometimes I freeze a few slices and then just pop one out at a time and toast it up with my morning coffee! It’s a special treat!

      Reply
  9. Matt Robinson says

    March 1, 2018 at 10:57 am

    I love Irish Soda Bread, and you’ve taken it to a whole new level with this!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 1, 2018 at 11:39 am

      Me too Matt! Thanks!

      Reply
  10. sue | theviewfromgreatisland says

    March 1, 2018 at 12:36 pm

    Now my plain old soda bread seems so boring, I need to load it up with fruit like this, I bet it’s amazing toasted!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 1, 2018 at 2:02 pm

      It is Sue! Thanks!

      Reply
  11. Naomi Robinson says

    March 1, 2018 at 1:40 pm

    Matt and the boys love when I make Irish Soda Bread, so I can’t wait to make this for them

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 1, 2018 at 2:02 pm

      Hope you all enjoy it Naomi!

      Reply
  12. Marissa says

    March 1, 2018 at 2:31 pm

    It is not an exaggeration to say that I LOVE Irish Soda Bread – yours looks absolutely perfect. So making this for our St. Patrick’s Day meal!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 1, 2018 at 3:38 pm

      Woohoo! So glad Marissa! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

      Reply
  13. Natasha @ Salt & Lavender says

    March 1, 2018 at 10:03 pm

    This looks so tasty! My mom makes an Irish soda bread too, and it’s really good!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 2, 2018 at 8:52 am

      It is isn’t it Natasha?! I love it!

      Reply
  14. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

    March 1, 2018 at 11:02 pm

    I do actually have a lot of Irish in my blood, but I’ve never had Irish soda bread! I’ve got to try this! I also love to celebrate all things Irish and green on St. Patrick’s Day!!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 2, 2018 at 9:24 am

      Oh no! You’ll need to get baking Katherine and make up for lost time!

      Reply
  15. Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says

    March 2, 2018 at 6:26 am

    My husband’s name is James Patrick Kelly and I’ve never made Irish Soda Bread? I have failed as a wife! I’m getting on this – this week! I can’t imagine how delicious this is when it’s right out of the oven!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 2, 2018 at 9:25 am

      Oh no Karen! I think James Patrick Kelly needs a loaf! Get baking love!

      Reply
  16. Kevin O'Leary says

    March 2, 2018 at 10:52 am

    Being an O’Leary means Irish Soda Bread is very close to my heart. ;) Looks stunning!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 2, 2018 at 11:03 am

      I bet!! Thanks so much Kevin. Happy weekend!

      Reply
  17. Traci | Vanilla And Bean says

    March 2, 2018 at 11:23 am

    Love the pie plate, Mary Ann and it’s been way too long since I’ve made Soda Bread! This looks delicious… the currents are a fabulous addition.

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 2, 2018 at 11:25 am

      My mom always made it in a pie plate Traci. And it was always delicious. Such a tradition at our house!

      Reply
  18. Emily says

    March 2, 2018 at 4:12 pm

    My soda bread is boring compared to yours! Such great add-ins! I am sure my kids would prefer yours. :) Love the little bit of history our threw in there too- I love learning. xo

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 2, 2018 at 4:49 pm

      Thanks Emily! I love it with the currants and golden raisins! Happy Friday!

      Reply
  19. Tieghan Gerard says

    March 2, 2018 at 4:39 pm

    I love Irish Soda Bread! This looks amazing Mary Ann!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 2, 2018 at 4:50 pm

      Thanks Tieghan! Me too!

      Reply
  20. Lindsay Cotter says

    March 2, 2018 at 9:00 pm

    This definitely looks moist and delicious! Love the addition of currants and golden raisins!

    Reply
  21. Deepika|TheLoveOfCakes says

    March 4, 2018 at 6:33 am

    The texture of this bread looks lovely…and I love the added blackcurrants and raisins! I am glad this doesn’t have yeast and needs just baking soda to leaven it up! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 4, 2018 at 7:22 pm

      it’s a St. Patrick’s Day favorite here Deepika!

      Reply
  22. Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says

    March 4, 2018 at 6:48 pm

    You’re bringing back memories, Mary Ann! My mom always made Irish soda bread – and I loved it. I don’t remember her putting raisin in it – but maybe I’m remembering wrong. A slice of this with a little bit of soft butter is the perfect easy breakfast!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 4, 2018 at 7:24 pm

      Raisins and currants aren’t traditional, but my mom always added them and I love it that way!

      Reply
  23. The Novice says

    March 5, 2018 at 2:31 am

    This looks super tasty, and just in time for St Paddy’s day! Quick (and maybe a stupid) question: Is this bread more sweet or savoury?

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 5, 2018 at 6:42 am

      It’s more sweet Cassidy. It’s a tradition at our house for St. Patrick’s Day!

      Reply
  24. Leigh Ann says

    March 5, 2018 at 7:49 am

    I can almost taste it with butter slathered all over the top! Yum!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      March 5, 2018 at 7:55 am

      It’s a winner Leigh Ann! Hope you give it a try!

      Reply

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