My Favourite Breads
If you’ve never baked the Irish Soda Bread, please arrange to make time and do it. The first time I ever saw one I thought “what an awful looking bread?” Then I tasted it, and I was totally hooked. That day I learnt never to judge food by looks. Have you ever seen those beautiful looking photos, on the wall, in fast food restaurants, then ordered the food and got completely disappointed? or have you ever seen the packaging on the shelves in your local supermarket, bought the product and got the worst shock ever? “Photo enlarged to show texture”, they often explain”
I made this bread during my one-week refresher course on bread. It takes only five minutes to mix then it’s ready to shove into the oven. After that, you can sit back and relax for a whole fifty minutes, knowing something special is coming. The last one I baked, got finished immediately. That’s how good it is. If you’ve had Irish Soda Bread before, please share with me your thoughts. I wish you a lovely week. I have nothing to complain about. The Weather is perfect and I was listening to music, as I cooked. What a refreshing way to do blog cooking!
Please note: this is my favourite version of Irish Soda Bread? Is yours different? Please share with me…
Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients
- 200g (7oz, 1½ cups ) all-purpose (plain) flour
- 200g (7oz,1½ cups ) plain whole meal (whole wheat) flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
- ½-1 teaspoon salt
- 60g (2½oz, ½ stick, ¼ cup, 4 tablespoons ) chilled unsalted butter, cubed (if you use salted butter use only ½ teaspoon of salt)
- 300ml (10.5 fl oz, 1¼ cups) buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 360°F (180°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Sift the flours, baking powder, baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and salt into a bowl ((return the husks from the whole wheat flour into the bowl). Using your fingertips, rub in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Form a well in the centre and add the buttermilk into the well. Mix with a flat bladed knife, until the dough forms (the dough should be slightly sticky not dry).
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly and lightly for about 5 seconds until smooth. (Do not over handle the dough otherwise the bread will become tough).
- Shape the dough into a ball 18cm (7 inches) in diameter. Place on the prepared tray and use a large sharp knife to cut a deep cross into the surface. Bake 45-50 minutes or until the loaf is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the base. Transfer on to a wire rack to cool.
- For cup measures: spoon the flour into the cup, heaping it up over the top, then slide a knife across the top to level off the extra. Be careful not to shake or tap the cup to settle down the flour or you will have more than you need. I use a 240ml American cup.
Points to Note:
- Please note that oven temperatures are given as a guideline only. You may need to add or reduce the suggested temperature depending on your oven. I baked the bread at 360°F (180°C) for 50 minutes.
- The bread will keep, wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It can be frozen in a sealed freezer bag for up o 6 weeks.
- Last Updated: December 31, 2019
myfavouritepastime.com
Step By Step Photos
Please always remember to assemble all ingredients before you start
Preheat the oven to 360°F (180°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Sift the flours, baking powder, baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and salt into a bowl (return the husks from the whole wheat flour into the bowl).
Using your fingertips, rub in the butter
until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Form a well in the centre and add the buttermilk into the well.
Mix with a flat bladed knife, until a dough forms (the dough should be a little sticky).
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly and lightly for about 5 seconds until it comes together. (Do not over handle the dough otherwise the bread will become tough).
Shape the dough into a ball 18cm (7 inches) in diameter (It should be slightly sticky). Place on the prepared tray and use a large sharp knife to cut a deep cross into the surface.
Bake 45-50 minutes or until the loaf is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the base. Transfer on to a wire rack to cool. (I baked the bread at 360°F (180°C) for 50 minutes.)
The bread was very, very, nice
We finished it immediately
I hope if you ever try it, you’ll love it tooI
myfavouritepastime.com
My Favourite Pastime 
Took me a few weeks after this post to find the occasion to make the soda bread but Saturday presented the opportunity. So easy, so yummy and will definitely be making it again. Thanks for sharing 🙂 Kate
Hello Kate
Omg I am so happy you found time to make the soda bread and I am even happier to hear that you found it yummy. My son loves it. I think he ate three quarters of what we made, the last time. Thanks so much for the feedback and wish you the best of times!
Liz
Soda bread with sultanas or raisins is really good too – it’s a lot like fruit scones so is great still warm with a cup of tea on a wintery afternoon!
Okay, this Saturday, I shall make a soda bread with sultanas. The afternoon will not be wintery but I’m sure I’ll enjoy it Thanks for the tip!
Liz
Soda beard really is such an amazingly simple recipe. Yours looks amazing! Such a stunning crumb 🙂
Thank you again, Afra. Best wishes!
Liz
That’s one thing I’ve never made yet from scratch—bread. It just looks like so much work though I could be wrong.
It’s one of the easiest recipes here. Please take a little time and try it. You’ll love it for sure!
Liz
I just made this and it is amazing. I WILL be making this again very soon! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Rob,
Thanks so much for trying this easy and delicious bread. My son loves it, He can eat a whole loaf in a sitting, Thanks for the feedback, you’ve made my day!
Liz
Looks great with jam and coffee! 🙂
Easy to make and a great delight to eat. You have to try it!
Liz
It looks fantastic! I love bread and I could live on it. For me, a meal is not a meal without bread … tons of it!
Ha ha I love FRESH BREAD with lots of butter, yum. Tomorrow I shall make this bread for breakfast. Thanks for inspiring me!
Liz
I’ve never had it but obviously I should. The ingredients seem so plain and simple. Have great day. 🙂
So plain and simple but fabulous. You should give it a try!!!
I love Irish soda bread! My recipe looks very much like yours but also has wheat germ and wheat bran–I’m feeling very inspired to ignore the other things on my to-do list and go make it right now!
mm what a nice Idea. I have some wheat bran. Maybe next time I’ll add some to the bread. I hope you made it Fabulous weekend!
Liz
I’ve never had Irish soda bread nor baked it. Besides I would have never thought it could be this easy! No more time to waste, no more excuses. This is going to be in my oven soon, very soon!
Yours looks perfect, even as you say it’s not the most beautiful looking bread. Now I need a toast and another mug of coffee 😉
Thanks for sharing such an amazing recipe, Liz! You did it again 😉
Besos
HI Rosa,
It’s so easy to make I hope you made and enjoyed it. Yes, you have no excuse for this one. What are you baking for Easter? Please mail me some of those fresh bakes. I hope you have a fabulous Easter weekend!
Liz
This bread looks perfect, Liz! I never had Irish Soda Bread before. I want to ask if is it fine to use all-purpose flour only?? Does it have the same softness as the regular white sandwich bread? I have experiences on making breads with yeast and they were not that successful so when I see bread recipes, I don’t often go through them… but you got me on this! 🙂
Hi there and sorry for taking so long to respond to your question. Yes you can use all-purpose flour only and it will still work out fine. I just preferred mixing. Please try it out and let me know how it goes for you. The recipe is so simple and straightforward and there is no waiting for the “yeast to rise”. Have a wonderful week!
Liz
HI, Liz. 🙂 I am just wondering if the this bread is as soft as the regular yeast-bread?
The texture is different from a regular yeast bread but it’s not hard. It tastes vey nice, more like a soft cake…how do I describe it??? LOL
Haha! That’s fine, Liz. I think I know what you mean. I could not describe it either. Will be trying this. 🙂 Thanks!
I hope your weekend is fantastic like mine!
Liz
This is the perfect soda bread!
Oh yes it’s. Tastes excellent!
Lix
Irish Soda Bread is the best! So easy and hearty.
Hi Lisa,
I agree completely. It’s one of the best breads ever!
Liz
Now I have NO excuse whatsoever. ALL of those ingredients are hanging out in my kitchen, clamoring to be put to work. Maybe tomorrow – today is almost over! ;->
Virtual hugs,
Judie
Hi Judie
I hope you enjoyed it? I shall be making it for breakfast tomorrow. Enjoy Sunday! Many Virtual Hugs to you!
Liz
Woops! I made Creole Cream Cheese from the buttermilk! 😦 I want to make too many things. We can’t eat that many foods!
Never mind, another time, another day. No hurry!
Liz
My mouth is watering just looking at the pictures!
Ha why can’t you pick a slice!
Liz
Oh yum- this bread’s been on my “to bake”list for awhile now. I’m inspired to get baking!
Please get baking. It’s awesome. Enjoy the week!
Liz
Looks awesome!!
Thank You, Jo Ann.
Liz