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5.0 from 6 votes

Irish Soda Bread

Inspired by traditional Irish Soda Bread, this version is a bit sweeter and perfect with butter and jam. Or serve up a big slice with your St. Patrick’s Day dinner.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 285 kcal
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients

Bread:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 8 tablespoons cold butter
  • 1-1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 egg lightly beaten
Topping:
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
  2. Combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and baking powder in a large bowl and whisk to combine.
  3. Cut the butter into small pieces and add to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or a fork to cut the butter into the flour until only small, flour covered bits remain.
  4. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
  5. In another bowl (or I just use the liquid measuring cup) mix together the buttermilk and the egg. Mix with a wooden spoon until almost all of the flour is incorporated. Dump the dough (and any remaining flour) onto a counter and knead a few times to incorporate all of the flour. If the dough is too sticky and is sticking to the counter, you can add more flour, but you shouldn’t need to.
  6. Transfer the dough to a 10” cast iron skillet. Use a serrated knife to score an X shape across the top of the dough.
  7. In a small bowl, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the buttermilk. Brush about 1/4 of this mixture over the top of the bread.
  8. Place the skillet into the oven and set a timer for 15 minutes.
  9. When the timer goes off, baste the bread with 1/3 of the remaining butter mixture, then sprinkle evenly with 1/3 of the sugar. Return to the oven and set the timer for 10 more minutes.
  10. When the timer goes off, repeat the above steps with the buttermilk mixture and the sugar, using 1/2 of the remaining ingredients. If needed, you may need to pop the buttermilk mixture in the microwave for a few seconds to make it liquid again. Set the timer for 10 more minutes.
  11. When the timer goes off, repeat the above steps one last time, using the rest of the buttermilk mixture and the rest of the sugar.
  12. Return the bread to the oven and allow it to bake until the top is golden brown, another 10-15 minutes, for a total bake time of about 45-50 minutes.
  13. Allow the bread to cool for a bit before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • This bread is best served the day it is made. If you have leftovers, store it wrapped in plastic wrap or foil, but the crust will soften and get a little bit sticky.
  • This bread is best served the day it is made. If you have leftovers, store it wrapped in plastic wrap or foil, but the crust will soften and get a little bit sticky.
  • If you want to serve this as a savory bread with stew, omit sprinkling the sugar on the crust.
  • If you want to serve this as a savory bread with stew, omit sprinkling the sugar on the crust.
  • Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.
  • Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 285kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 35g (12%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 13g (20%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Polyunsaturated Fat 4g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 48mg (16%) Sodium 376mg (16%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 7g (14%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 285

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 285kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 35g 12%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g 24%
Trans Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 48mg 16%
Sodium 376mg 16%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 7g 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.