This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

I’m Irish by heritage and as it nears St. Patrick’s Day, I anticipate baking my annual loaf of Irish Soda Bread.

a loaf of fluffy irish soda bread with raisins

A quick bread recipe (meaning not a yeast bread) made with flour, buttermilk, and (depending upon who you ask), currants and/or caraway seeds, it’s ideal for toasting, smearing with jam (or Slow Cooker Apple Butter), and dunking in a big bowl of Instant Pot Beef Stew.

Irish soda bread tastes mild and lightly buttery, similar to a fluffy biscuit (like these Drop Biscuits) or Savory Scones with Bacon Cheddar and Chive.

The edges are lightly craggy (I love picking them off); the inside is soft, but sturdy.

slice of irish soda bread with butter

History of Irish Soda Bread

Irish soda bread was born from necessity. Bicarbonate soda (a.k.a. baking soda) came to the U.K. in the 1830s, a time when Ireland was hurting financially and lacked access to ingredients.

  • Irish soda bread made the best of what people had available: soft wheat flour (which grows well in Ireland—it’s similar to cake flour or pastry flour), baking soda, salt, and soured milk (now we use buttermilk in its place).
  • It required very little kitchen equipment to make and could be baked over an open hearth.
  • Other additions, such as currants, were added only at special occasions, such as Easter.
a slice of Authentic Irish Soda Bread

How to Make Irish Soda Bread

Humble in origin and of great importance to its people, Irish soda bread is simple and sustaining.

Nowadays, it is a St. Patrick’s Day favorite for many. And it’s a perfect pair to another St. Patrick’s Day dish, Corned Beef and Cabbage.

I’ve been making this soda bread recipe for more than 15 years.

I’ve tweaked it over time to add healthy ingredients like whole wheat flour.

It wasn’t until I first shared it on my blog, however, that I realized how, ehrm, strongly some folks feel about Irish soda bread.

  • To those of you who are here for a tasty Irish soda bread recipe, enjoy!
  • To those of you who feel I departed too far from tradition, I’d love to learn about your version of traditional Irish soda bread. Feel free to leave me a note in the comments below.
Irish Soda Bread sliced

Tip!

In the mood for muffins? Try these Irish Soda Bread Muffins.


The Ingredients

  • Flour. I used a combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour. The flour mixture is perfect for making a soda bread that’s moist and tender while also being hearty.

Substitution Tip

For a more traditional Irish soda bread recipe, use a combination of half cake or pastry flour and half all-purpose flour.

  • Sugar. While this bread is not overly sweet, the sugar gives it just a hint of sweetness. It also ensures it has a tender crumb.
  • Butter. Gives it that scrumptious buttery flavor.
  • Egg. For extra richness.
  • Buttermilk + Baking Soda. Essential ingredients for the perfect soda bread rise. The baking soda is also how this bread got its name.
  • Molasses. Adds subtle complexity.
  • Currants. Adds small pockets of tartness that’s a lovely contrast with the mild butteriness of the bread. Originally for special occasions only, we’re lucky to be able to add currants to our Irish soda bread any day we like.

Market Swap

Currants can be swapped for raisins, which are slightly more sweet than currants. They taste lovely in Irish soda bread.

The Directions

  1. Pulse the dry ingredients together in a food processor.
Flour and butter in a food processor
  1. Add the butter.
Wet ingredients being whisked in a bowl
  1. Whisk the wet ingredients together.
Dough being stirred in a bowl
  1. Stir the dry ingredients and currants into the wet ingredients in a large bowl. Knead the dough, then shape it into a round loaf.
Dough for Irish soda bread with an x marked on top
  1. Transfer the loaf to a parchment-lined baking sheet, and cut an “X” into the top of the dough. Bake Irish soda bread at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes, until golden brown with a nice crust.
Irish soda bread on white paper
  1. Let cool, then DIG IN!

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Store bread in an airtight storage container at room temperature for up to 4 days. 
  • To Freeze. Freeze bread in an airtight freezer-safe storage container or ziptop bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. 

Meal Prep Tip

For easy, grab-and-go slices, wrap them individually (or in groupings) in plastic wrap and freeze in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw and enjoy as desired.

Leftover Ideas

Leftover bread works well for sandwiches (like Avocado Grilled Cheese). You can also use the leftovers to create a decadent bread pudding or soda bread croutons (the perfect addition to Potato Leek Soup).

What to Serve with Irish Soda Bread

a loaf of sliced Irish soda bread with currants

This is a humble, no-frills bread, and that’s one of the reasons I love it so much.

Slather a slice in butter, dunk another into your stew, and enjoy this Irish Soda Bread. It’s wonderful on St. Patrick’s Day or any day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Irish Soda Bread Really Irish?

Traditional Irish soda bread is really Irish. This recipe was inspired by the traditional recipes, but it does have some variations that may not be as common in Ireland.

What Are Different Types of Soda Bread?

The difference between American and Irish soda bread lies in the added ingredients. Our version in America typically includes a mix-in like currants, raisins, or caraway seeds, but the classic Irish version does not. Unlike its American counterpart, the Irish version also does not include butter or sugar.

What if I Don’t Have Buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, I have a simple trick for you. You can substitute buttermilk with 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice. You can use 2% milk, but whole milk is even better. Mix the two together, and let them sit for 5 minutes, then use as directed

Can This Be Made Gluten Free?

This is tricky to answer because I’ve not tested it with any gluten free flours. If you decide to experiment, let me know how it goes!

Irish Soda Bread

5 from 5 votes
An easy Irish soda bread recipe with buttermilk that is moist, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Ideal for toasting, soups, and more.

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour

Servings: 10 slices, 1 (12-inch) loaf

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour plus additional for kneading
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup (plus 1 to 2 tablespoons) buttermilk
  • 1/2 tablespoon unsulphered molasses not blackstrap
  • 2/3 cup dried currants or raisins optional

Instructions
 

  • Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, lightly pulse the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine. (If you prefer not to use a food processor, whisk the ingredients together in a mixing bowl.)
  • Scatter the butter pieces over the top. Pulse just until butter is incorporated but small pieces are still visible, about 10 to 15 pulses. (If you are not using a food processor, cut in the butter with a pastry blender or fork.)
  • In a separate, large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon buttermilk, and molasses.
  • Add the dry ingredient mixture and the currants to the bowl with the wet ingredients. By hand with a wooden spoon or spatula, stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, add 1 additional tablespoons buttermilk as needed.
  • Lightly flour a work surface, then dump the dough onto it. Knead the dough a few times (5 to 10-ish), then shape the dough into a round, slightly flattened loaf.
  • Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Using a serrated knife, lightly cut a 1/4-inch deep “X” on top of the loaf to allow air to escape.
  • Bake the Irish soda bread for 45 minutes, until a thin, sharp knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The dough will sound hollow when tapped on the bottom and the internal temperature should reach 200 degrees F.
  • Transfer the Irish soda bread to a wire rack. Let cool for at least 20 minutes. Slice and serve.

Video

Notes

  • TO STORE: Store bread in an airtight storage container at room temperature for up to 4 days. 
  • TO FREEZE: Freeze bread in an airtight freezer-safe storage container or ziptop bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice (of 10)Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 25mgPotassium: 251mgFiber: 2gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 134IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 68mgIron: 2mg

Join today and start saving your favorite recipes

Create an account to easily save your favorite recipes and access FREE meal plans.

Sign Me Up

More St. Patrick’s Day Recipes

Did you try this recipe?

I want to see!

Follow @wellplated on Instagram, snap a photo, and tag it #wellplated. I love to know what you are making!

You May Also Like

Free Email Series
Sign Up for FREE Weekly Meal Plans
Each includes a grocery list, budget, and 5 healthy dinners, helping you save time, save money, and live better!

Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

Learn more about Erin

Leave a Comment

Did you make this recipe?

Don't forget to leave a review!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating





52 Comments

Leave a comment

  1. I have never made Irish Soda Bread so I am especially excited to try this!  I love the addition of currants and caraway seeds – yum! 

  2. I served Irish Soda Bread to my 2nd grade students… they loved it! I can not wait to try this whole wheat version. P.S. I am IRISH!!

    1. Tracy, I love that you make soda bread for your students! Teacher of the year :) I hope you enjoy this whole wheat version just as much and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

  3. The Irish Soda bread looks yummy. I’ve never had it that I know of. Wonder if it is possible to make it gluten free

    1. Hi Elizabeth! I haven’t tried it myself but if you decide to experiment, let me know how it goes!

  4. I made this to accompany corn beef and cabbage for our St. Patty’s Day family celebration. It was the best Irish soda bread I have ever made. I think the molasses and whole wheat flour are what set it apart. I make my own kefir and used that in place of buttermilk. It was good warmed in the toaster or microwave the next day. It is a keeper.5 stars

  5. Lovely crumb and texture. Not like my Grandma Kate’s (from County Mayo Ireland), but delicious. I used 2 cups of whole wheat pastry flour and no white flour. Was concerned it would be heavy, but cooked to 200degrees, and it is delicious.5 stars

  6. Made this exactly by the recipe. It came out perfect! Great texture and crumb. Will make it again. Had it with our roasted corn beef St Patties Day dinner. Everyone loved it. And it was super easy!5 stars

  7. When I finished putting the ingredients together the batter was very wet. I added quite a bit of extra flour to get it to the point where it wouldn’t stick to the work surface and could be needed.
    I am wondering if anyone else had this issue.

    1. I’m sorry to hear you had trouble with the recipe Susan. It should be soft but not sticky. I would be careful adding too much extra flour or it could turn out dry.

  8. I make your Irish Soda Muffins ALL THE TIME! We love them with anything but I’ll be making this recipe because sometimes a loaf of bread is just what you need. Thank you, thank you…

  9. Can’t wait to make this and FINALLY a recipe that features other than
    gritty UGH currants.
    I also see you have muffins
    ;-)

  10. Can I substitute maple syrup for the molasses? I hate to buy a whole jar of molasses for just 1/2 tablespoon. Any other substitutes?

    1. Hi Carol, I haven’t tried it myself but it might work. If you decide to experiment, I’d love to know how it goes!

  11. Hello! I’m about to start the recipe. I just noticed for the molasses, you note to not use Blackstrap. Any specific reason why? Thanks so much!!

    1. Hi Megan, blackstrap is processed a little differently and can really change the flavor of baked goods and cause it to be bitter. Hope this helps!

    1. Hi Carole, you probably could. It will change the end result slighty. Let me know if you give it a try!

  12. I made it this morning and it was very easy to make especially using our food processor. Followed the recipe using both all purpose flour and whole wheat flour. Didn’t find it sticky at all. Put it in the oven and saw my bowl of current on the counter. It was great without them, consistency almost scone-like. Delicious. Thanks Erin.5 stars

Load More Comments