Irish Soda Bread Recipe – a St. Patrick’s Day Tradition
My step dad used to always brag about being The Real McCoy. I guess technically it was true since his last name was McCoy but he took it a bit far. He was always proud of his Irish heritage and incorporated Irish tradition into any occasion possible. You can only imagine how St. Patrick’s Day went down around our house. Irish Soda Bread was always a staple on St. Patrick’s Day as was Irish Coffee on New Years. He was the only father I knew so I try to continue these traditions with my family.
I was going through one of his old recipe boxes last week trying to plan out our St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and happened upon his Irish soda Bread recipe. He always took so much pride in making this traditional Irish bread so I wanted to do the same. I wanted to make something that would match his Irish Soda Bread in flavor but still be mine.
When my step dad made the Soda Bread he used a traditional recipe with only 4 ingredients. His recipe makes an amazing bread but I like a little more depth to mine. I added in a few tablespoons of sugar and some raisins to make a bread my entire family will enjoy. The sugar and raisins can be easily omitted for a more traditional Irish Soda Bread.
If you’re looking for something easy and tasty for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration this Irish Soda Bread is for you. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Have You Ever Made Traditional Irish Soda Bread
Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients
- 3 cups sifted flour cake or pastry flour works best since they're softer
- 2 - 4 tbsp sugar depending on how sweet you want it - or omit it all together
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup raisins leave these out for a more traditional soda bread
- 1 1/3 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients together well. Stir in the raisins and milk.
- Mix together to form a sticky dough.
- Turn out onto floured board and knead until smooth (8 - 10 times - don't over knead.)
- Line a 9 inch cake pan with parchment paper and add the dough. Spread the dough out in the pan.
- Score the dough with a large "X" on the top.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 65 minutes.
- Carefully remove the bread from the oven. Serve with your Irish meal.
Notes
February 28, 2016 @ 2:42 pm
The first itme I had soda bread was a few years ago when a coworker brought it in on St. Patrick’s day – and now I love it! Can’t wait to try it out myself!
March 2, 2016 @ 8:51 pm
I love Irish soda bread. Yours looks gorgeous! 🙂
March 4, 2016 @ 10:07 pm
What a great recipe for St. Patrick’s Day! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday, hope to see you again next week!
March 7, 2016 @ 10:22 pm
What a gorgeous loaf of bread! I’ve never had Irish Soda Bread but I suppose now would be the perfect time to try it! Thanks for linking up with Delicious Dishes Recipe Party!
March 18, 2016 @ 12:15 am
Sorry to burst ur bubble but my father was making this current bread 50years ago he also made brown and white soda bread
March 10, 2022 @ 10:57 am
No egg? Never saw an Irish Soda bread recipe without at least one egg, most have two.
January 22, 2023 @ 1:10 pm
Actually, Traditional Irish Soda Bread does not contain eggs. Only the flour, baking soda, buttermilk & salt. Check out true Irish recipes. Adding the baking powder helps the bread to rise a tad more. It’s a good idea. True some people add eggs, but they are not traditionally used. Brown was the usual colour, but the white is also made. I agree with Eve, this bread was being made 50 years ago & longer for that matter. Enjoy it however you make it. 🙂