Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Irish Soda Bread Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for an authentic and straightforward recipe for Irish Soda Bread, look no further than here. A simple, time-tested formula for baking this beloved quick bread, perfect for home cooks seeking a taste of tradition without fuss. The recipe emphasizes ease, using everyday ingredients to create a hearty loaf that’s ideal for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or any cozy meal.

A Brief History of Irish Soda BreadThough often synonymous with Irish cuisine, soda bread’s origins trace back to Native Americans, who pioneered the use of pearl ash (a precursor to baking soda) as a leavening agent.  The Irish adopted and popularized the technique in the 1830s amid economic hardships, particularly during the potato famine era, when affordable staples like soft wheat flour, salt, baking soda, and sour milk became essentials for daily bread. The earliest published recipe dates to 1836, featuring just four basic ingredients. Traditionally baked on griddles or in cast-iron pots, it was scored with a cross on top—not just for even baking, but sometimes to ward off evil spirits.  Today, it’s a staple associated with Ireland, though variations like the raisin-filled version have evolved over time.

This Recipe stays true to the bread’s humble roots while adding a touch of sweetness with sugar and raisins.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together in a large bowl: flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, and salt. Stir in raisins. Combine eggs, buttermilk, and shortening. Add liquid mixture to the dry ingredients; mix just until flour is moistened. Turn batter into a greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour or until done. Remove from pan immediately. Cool before slicing. Additional notes include the option to ice the bread with a simple confectioners’ sugar and water glaze, or to divide the batter into two smaller loaves for reduced baking time. This approach yields a moist, slightly sweet loaf that’s denser than yeast breads but full of flavor from the raisins and tangy buttermilk.

Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Instructions for Irish Soda Bread Recipe

   Sift together in large bowl, flour, sugar, baking powder, soda and salt. Stir in raisins. Combine eggs, buttermilk and shortening. Add liquid mixture to the dry ingredients; mix just until flour is moistened. Turn batter into greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour or until done. Remove from pan immediately. Cool before slicing. Bread can be iced with a little confectionery sugar in water icing. Two small loaves can be made and baking time decreased.