Old Fashioned Irish Soda Bread

This traditional quick bread has been a beloved staple for generations, known for its rustic texture, rich flavor, and wonderfully simple preparation.

Unlike yeast breads, Irish soda bread relies on baking soda and buttermilk to create its tender crumb, making it one of the easiest breads you can bake at home.

This version is slightly sweet and generously filled with plump raisins, giving every slice a delightful burst of flavor.

The addition of sour cream keeps the bread incredibly moist, while the buttermilk provides the classic tangy taste that makes Irish soda bread so special.

A touch of caraway seeds adds a traditional old-world flavor many families love, but they can easily be omitted if you prefer a milder loaf like we do.

Whether you’re baking it to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, serving it with breakfast, or enjoying a warm slice with afternoon coffee, this homemade Irish soda bread is a timeless recipe that never goes out of style.

Best of all, there’s no yeast, no waiting for dough to rise, and no complicated steps—just mix, shape, and bake.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• No yeast required – This quick bread comes together fast with baking soda doing the work.
• Perfectly moist texture – Sour cream and buttermilk create a soft, tender crumb.
• Sweet and savory balance – Raisins add natural sweetness while caraway gives a classic flavor.
• Simple pantry ingredients – Everything in this recipe is easy to find and affordable.
• Great for holidays or everyday baking – Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Tips for Perfect Irish Soda Bread

1. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
2. Overworking the dough can make the bread dense.
3. Cold eggs, buttermilk, and sour cream help keep the dough light and tender.
4. The dough will be slightly sticky. Lightly flour your hands and work surface to shape it easily. 
5. Cut a shallow “X” in the top before baking.  This helps the bread bake evenly and is a traditional touch. 
6. A tablespoon of sugar on top creates a lightly sweet, slightly crisp crust.
7. If your raisins are dry, soak them in warm water or Whiskey for 10 minutes and drain well before adding to the dough.

Serving Ideas for Irish Soda Bread

• Warm with butter melting into each slice
• With jam or orange marmalade for breakfast
• Alongside soups and stews for a hearty meal
• Toasted with cream cheese for a simple snack
• With tea or coffee as a comforting afternoon treat
• Turn leftovers into French toast for a delicious brunch twist
• Perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration meal

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St. Patrick’s Day Irish soda bread, Old Fashioned Irish Soda Bread, Homemade Irish Soda Bread, Irish Raisin Soda Bread, Irish Soda Bread Recipe, Classic Irish Soda Bread, Easy Irish Soda Bread

Bread recipes, St. Patrick’s Day recipes, soda bread recipes, holiday recipes

Irish, American

Yield: 12

Author: Claudia Lamascolo

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Old Fashioned Irish Soda Bread

This traditional quick Irish Soda bread has been a beloved staple for generations, known for its rustic texture, rich flavor, and wonderfully simple preparation.

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 1 H & 10 MTotal time: 1 H & 20 M

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 cups of AP flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups raisins
• 2 tablespoons caraway seeds (we prefer without the seeds)
• 2 eggs lightly beaten
• 1 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup sour cream
• Garnish Optional: coarse sugar for the top

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and heavily grease a 9-inch cast-iron cooking skillet or baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, raisins, and caraway seeds if using.
3. In another clean bowl, mix eggs, sour cream, and buttermilk, and slowly stir the wet ingredients into the dry and mix just until the batter is moistened.
4. Knead the dough in the bowl for about 15 strokes.
5. Dough will be sticky.
6. Roll the dough into a ball and place it in the greased skillet or pan.
7. Cut an X in the dough and sprinkle with sugar or dust with flour.
8. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 65-75 minutes center is dry.
9. Let cool in the pan for about 15 minutes/
10. Remove from the pan and set on a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Irish Soda Bread

1. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
2. Overworking the dough can make the bread dense.
3. Cold eggs, buttermilk, and sour cream help keep the dough light and tender.
4. The dough will be slightly sticky. Lightly flour your hands and work surface to shape it easily. 
5. Cut a shallow “X” in the top before baking. This helps the bread bake evenly and is a traditional touch. 
6. A tablespoon of sugar on top creates a lightly sweet, slightly crisp crust.
7. If your raisins are dry, soak them in warm water or Whiskey for 10 minutes and drain well before adding to the dough.

Serving Ideas for Irish Soda Bread

• Warm with butter melting into each slice
• With jam or orange marmalade for breakfast
• Alongside soups and stews for a hearty meal
• Toasted with cream cheese for a simple snack
• With tea or coffee as a comforting afternoon treat
• Turn leftovers into French toast for a delicious brunch twist
• Perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration meal 

Nutrition Facts

Sodium (milligrams)

361 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

41 mg

The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.

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