Ceta's Irish Soda Bread

Discover the timeless charm of **Ceta's Irish Soda Bread**, a rustic and easy-to-make bread that’s perfect for any occasion. This traditional recipe combines pantry staples like all-purpose flour, baking soda, and buttermilk to create a tender, golden loaf with a hint of sweetness from a touch of sugar. Cold, cubed butter is cut into the dry ingredients for a flaky texture, while optional raisins add a pop of natural sweetness. The dough comes together in minutes and is finished with the iconic scored “X” on top, ensuring even baking and a beautifully rustic appearance. Ready in under an hour, this soda bread pairs effortlessly with butter and jam or serves as the ultimate side to hearty soups and stews. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving homemade comfort, this Irish classic is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1.5 cups raisins (optional)
• 1.75 cups buttermilk
• 1 whole large egg

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3

Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4

If using raisins, fold them into the flour mixture until evenly distributed.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until combined. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together.

Step 6

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to form a cohesive ball. Do not over-knead; the dough should remain slightly sticky.

Step 7

Shape the dough into a round loaf and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a deep 'X' across the top of the loaf. This helps the bread cook evenly and expands as it bakes.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9

Allow the bread to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, or alongside a savory dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1324.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3413.4

Total Fat 70.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 357.0mg	0%
Sodium 4669.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 631.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.7g	0%
Total Sugars 212.2g
Protein 77.8g	0%

Vitamin D 291.0IU	0%
Calcium 758.3mg	0%
Iron 28.1mg	0%
Potassium 3092.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 18.4%

Protein: 9.0%

Carbs: 72.7%