Claire Fisk's Irish Soda Bread

Celebrate the timeless charm of Irish baking with Claire Fisk's Irish Soda Bread—an easy, no-yeast bread recipe perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Made with a handful of pantry staples like all-purpose flour, baking soda, and buttermilk, this rustic loaf comes together in just an hour, offering a tender crumb packed with effortless flavor. Enhancing its classic appeal, optional raisins lend a subtle sweetness, while a buttery, golden crust develops beautifully in the oven. Ideal for St. Patrick's Day or any cozy gathering, this homemade soda bread pairs wonderfully with butter, jam, or hearty stews. With minimal prep and unbeatable taste, it’s a must-try for those seeking an authentic Irish baking experience!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup raisins (optional)
• 1.75 cups buttermilk
• 1 large egg, beaten

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

If using raisins, stir them into the flour and butter mixture, ensuring they're evenly distributed.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and beaten egg until smooth.

Step 6

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gently combine until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.

Step 7

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf about 2 inches thick. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8

Using a sharp knife, score a deep 'X' into the top of the loaf. This allows the bread to expand while baking.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 10

Allow the Irish soda bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, plain or with butter.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1221.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3107.0

Total Fat 71.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 357.7mg	0%
Sodium 4193.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 549.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.5g	0%
Total Sugars 148.5g
Protein 74.9g	0%

Vitamin D 298.6IU	0%
Calcium 704.5mg	0%
Iron 26.6mg	0%
Potassium 2452.2mg	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: 20.5%

Protein: 9.5%

Carbs: 70.0%