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–+ servings

Traditional Irish Soda Bread: A Quick & Hearty Homemade Loaf

This classic Irish soda bread features a tender, slightly dense interior with a wonderfully crisp crust. The buttermilk gives it a subtle tang while the chemical reaction with baking soda creates the perfect rise without yeast.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 20 servings
Course: Breakfast, Bread
Cuisine: Irish
Calories: 172
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup butter melted (for brushing)
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk for brushing

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the softened butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth.
  5. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the buttermilk mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. The dough will be sticky and rough-looking.
  6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times to form a cohesive ball. Don't overwork the dough or your bread will be tough.
  7. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score an 'X' on top of the loaf about 1/2 inch deep.
  8. Mix the 1/4 cup melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk and brush the mixture generously over the top of the bread.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 172kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 277mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g
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