Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Loaf of raisin-studded Irish soda bread on a wooden cutting board, with a few slices cut, showing its crumbly texture.
Print Recipe
No ratings yet

Easy Irish Soda Bread

This easy Irish soda bread is soft, slightly sweet, and loaded with orange zest and caraway seeds. No yeast, no kneading, and ready in just over an hour!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Irish
Keyword: True Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Servings: 11 servings
Calories: 336kcal
Author: Alicia

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Ingredients

  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons caraway seeds optional
  • 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 4 ounces butter melted and cooled
  • 1 egg
  • 1 Tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 Tablespoon milk
  • 1 cup raisins or currants optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400° F. Line a cast iron skillet with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and caraway seeds.
    4 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 Tablespoons caraway seeds
  • In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, 1/3 cup sugar, melted butter, egg, and orange zest until combined.
    1 3/4 cups buttermilk, 4 ounces butter, 1 egg, 1 Tablespoon orange zest, 1/3 cup sugar
  • If using raisins, toss them with the dry ingredients.
    1 cup raisins or currants
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Shape into a round loaf and place in the prepared skillet. If the dough is sticky, lightly dust it with flour.
  • Mix milk with the remaining 1 Tbsp sugar and brush over the top.
    1 Tablespoon milk, 1 Tablespoon sugar
    • Add flour 1 Tbsp at a time if needed. Avoid overmixing to keep the crumb tender.
  • Cut a deep cross into the top of the dough.
    • This dough should be soft but not overly sticky.
  • Bake for 40-50 minutes, checking at 35 minutes. If browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
  • Bake until golden and a tester comes out clean. Cool before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 336kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 429mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 350IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 3mg