Classic Irish Soda Bread: Quick, Easy, No Yeast Recipe
Bake this traditional Irish Soda Bread using simple pantry ingredients. It is crusty outside, soft inside, and requires no yeast or long rising times, making it perfect for a fast, comforting homemade loaf.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)
- 1/4 cup raisins or currants (optional, for traditional flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. If using, mix in the sugar and raisins or currants.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk all at once.
- Use a knife or your hands to quickly mix the ingredients until just combined into a soft, slightly sticky dough. Do not overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf, about 1.5 to 2 inches thick.
- Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross into the top of the loaf, cutting almost to the bottom.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Transfer the soda bread to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter.
Notes
- If you do not have buttermilk, mix 1 3/4 cups of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- For a slightly richer crust, brush the top of the loaf with a little extra buttermilk just before baking.
- This bread pairs well with hearty soups and stews.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 2
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 53
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 5