This American Irish Soda Bread is a simple and tasty version of the traditional recipe. With a soft texture and a hint of tang from the buttermilk, it's a great bread to make quickly for any meal.
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Whether with coffee or just on its own with some butter, this soda bread is a comforting and easy-to-make option for any day.
What You'll Need
- Flour: This is the main ingredient that gives the bread its structure.
- Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise by reacting with the buttermilk.
- Salt: Adds flavor to the bread, balancing out the sweetness.
- Sugar: Provides a bit of sweetness and helps with browning.
- Buttermilk: Activates the baking soda and makes the bread moist.If you want to make your own buttermilk, check out my easy method here.
- Raisins or Currants: Adds sweetness and texture. Tossing them in flour keeps them from sinking in the dough.
- Butter: Makes the bread tender and adds richness.
- Orange Zest (optional): Gives a light citrus flavor that pairs well with the currants, raisins, or cranberries.
How to Make American Irish Soda Bread
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
- Preheat: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a mixer. Add diced butter and mix on low until incorporated.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Lightly beat buttermilk, egg, and orange zest. Slowly mix into the dry ingredients.
- Add Currants: Toss currants with flour and fold into the dough.
- Shape and Score: Knead dough on a floured surface, shape it into a loaf, and score an "X" on top.
- Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes until a tester comes out clean. Cool on a rack.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Camila's Tips and Variations
- Keep Butter Cold: Use cold butter when mixing to create a flakier texture in the bread.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined to prevent the loaf from becoming tough.
- Flour the Surface: Make sure to generously flour your surface before kneading to keep the dough from sticking.
- Check for Doneness: Tap the bread; if it sounds hollow, it's ready.
- Cranberry-Raisin Swap: You can switch out the currants for dried cranberries or raisins to change up the flavor.
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Recipe
American Irish Soda Bread
This American Irish Soda Bread is a simple and tasty version of the traditional recipe. With a soft texture and a hint of tang from the buttermilk, it's a great bread to make quickly for any meal. Whether with coffee or just on its own with some butter, this soda bread is a comforting and easy-to-make option for any day.
Ingredients
- 500 g all-purpose flour or bread flour , spooned and leveled off (plus more for your hands and counter)
- 1 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar , packed and leveled off
- 1- ¾ cups buttermilk , shaken
- 1 cup currants, raisins or cranberries; toss in 1 tablespoon of flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter , cut into ½ inch dice
- Zest of 1 orange , optional
- 1 large egg , lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons turbinado raw sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add the diced butter and mix on low speed until the butter is fully blended into the flour mixture.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a measuring cup, lightly beat the buttermilk, egg, and orange zest together using a fork. With the mixer still on low speed, slowly add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add Currants: Toss the currants with 1 tablespoon of flour, then gently fold them into the dough. The dough will be quite wet.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead it a few times, shaping it into a round loaf. Place the loaf on the prepared sheet pan. Lightly score an "X" on the top of the loaf with a serrated knife.
- Bake: Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Let the loaf cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
How to Store
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
How to freeze
The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. Once completely cooled, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. To reheat, microwave until heated through or wrap the bread in aluminum foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot.
Buttermilk Substitution: If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 4 teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
American Irish Soda Bread
Amount per Serving
Calories
325
% Daily Value*
Fat
7
g
11
%
Saturated Fat
4
g
25
%
Trans Fat
0.2
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
2
g
Cholesterol
33
mg
11
%
Sodium
398
mg
17
%
Potassium
235
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
57
g
19
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
10
g
11
%
Protein
8
g
16
%
Vitamin A
234
IU
5
%
Vitamin C
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
64
mg
6
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
