Irish Soda Bread for St Patrick's Day

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the timeless charm of homemade Irish Soda Bread, a no-yeast quick bread that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. This rustic loaf boasts a tender, crumbly texture with a subtly sweet flavor, thanks to the perfect balance of granulated sugar and rich buttermilk. The addition of buttery chunks and optional raisins or currants gives each bite a touch of indulgence, while the traditional scoring of an "X" on top ensures even baking and a beautiful, golden crust. Ready in under an hour with minimal effort, this Irish classic is the perfect accompaniment to hearty stews or a simple spread of butter and jam. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or anytime you’re craving a comforting slice of tradition!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you're using raisins or currants, stir them in now.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then pour the buttermilk mixture into the well.

Step 6

Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together until a rough dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 7

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it just until it comes together into a smooth ball, about 10–12 turns.

Step 8

Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to score a deep 'X' across the top of the loaf. This helps the bread bake evenly.

Step 9

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10

Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter and jam, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1242.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3243.4

Total Fat 85.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 47.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 421.5mg	0%
Sodium 4210.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 549.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.5g	0%
Total Sugars 175.5g
Protein 74.5g	0%

Vitamin D 310.8IU	0%
Calcium 677.1mg	0%
Iron 26.5mg	0%
Potassium 2416.6mg	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: 23.5%

Protein: 9.1%

Carbs: 67.4%