My Irish Soda Bread recipe has won many blue ribbons for a reason, it's beyond delicious. A sweeter version of traditional Irish soda bread because it has raisins and sugar.
Jump to:
Why you'll love this recipe
- This one-bowl bread is easy and tasty; no yeast is needed; the results are an incredibly delicious Irish bread.
- This soda bread has won numerous blue ribbons at baking contests.
Ingredients
- all-purpose flour
- baking soda
- baking powder
- white sugar
- salt
- unsalted butter
- buttermilk
- sour cream
- egg
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
- Wooden Spoon
- Whisk
- Cooling Racks
How to make Irish Soda Bread.
- Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C. Spray a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or glass pie pan with non-stick baking spray and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the dry ingredients
- Add softened unsalted butter. Blenduntil the mixture is a coarse crumble. Make a well in the center of the ingredients.
- Add in the egg and whisk to break up the egg. Mix in 1 cup of low-fat buttermilk, sour cream, and raisins.
- Use a wooden spoon to gently mix ingredients.
- Place the bread batter into the prepared pan. Use a serrated knife or a very sharp knife to make a deep cross in the center of the dough. Sprinkle the bread with a teaspoon of flour and sugar.
- Bake in the oven on the center rack for about 65 minutes. Check if the bread is done by placing a toothpick in the center of the bread. A toothpick should come out clean. If the toothpick is not coming out clean, leavethe bread in the oven for additional 5-minute intervals. Check for doneness after every 5 minutes.
- The bread will be golden brown.
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 20 to 30 minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy the bread plain, with a bit of butter, jelly, or marmalade.
How to store Irish Soda Bread with Raisins
To keep the bread fresh, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in a large sealable bag for up to 4 days.
This bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag.
The bread can be sliced up and then frozen. Then take out as many slices as needed to defrost.
Defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
Eileen's Tips for a great Soda Bread.
- Be sure to use room-temperature unsalted butter for the best results.
- For best results, I use unsalted Kerry Gold Irish butter.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing.
- Check if the bread is done by placing a toothpick the center of the bread. The toothpick should come out clean. If the toothpick is not coming out clean, leave the bread in the oven for additional 5-minute intervals. Check for doneness every 5 minutes.
- A cake tester can be used instead of a toothpick to check for doneness of the quick bread.
Variations to make a sweet Irish Soda Breadf
- During the holidays, I used dried cranberries instead of raisins.
- If using dried cranberries for the holidays, a little orange zest can be added for a zing of flavor to the bread.
- Many add caraway seeds to the bread, about 1 Tablespoon.
FAQs about Irish Soda Bread
Many baking ingredients were not easy to come by in Ireland. In the 1800s, baking soda was introduced to Ireland.
Traditional soda bread had only a few ingredients, including soured milk, we use buttermilk and baking soda.
Baking soda is a leavening agent for the bread.
Our bread is a bit different than traditional Irish soda bread. It has sugar, raisins, and sour cream, making our bread a bit sweeter and moister.
My Granny always said the cross in the center of the Irish Soda Bread made before baking wards off evil.
My Granny always said that the Cross is a blessing all who eat the bread.
To substitute buttermilk, for every cup of buttermilk, use 1 cup of milk of choice and 1 Tablespoon of white vinegar.
Whisk together, and let it sit on the counter for about 5-10 minutes before adding to your recipe.
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
I love any comments or questions. Please feel free to leave them below!
Thank you for your continued support. I am forever grateful.
Eileen xo
Keep up to date with recipes by following me on:
📖 Recipe
Save the Recipe?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox to view anytime. Plus the bonus of regular recipes to you for inspiration!
Blue Ribbon Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F/ 177°C. Spray a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or glass pie pan with non-stick baking spray or butter, set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk 4 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon baking soda.
- Add 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to the flour mixture. Blend with your hands until the mixture is a coarse crumble with no large clumps of butter. Make a well in the center of the ingredients.
- Into the hole, add 1 large egg, use a spoon or whisk to break it up slightly. (Note 1) Mix in 1 cup buttermilk and 1 cup low-fat sour cream.
- Use a wooden spoon to gently mix the batter once, then stir in ½ to ¾ cup raisins. Add a little more buttermilk, up to ½ cup, if the dough seems too dry.
- Place the batter into the prepared pan. Use a serrated knife to make a cross in the center of the dough. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional) over the top of the bread batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven on the center rack in center of the oven for about 60 minutes. Check if the bread is done by putting a toothpick through the center of bread. The toothpick should come out clean. If the toothpick is not coming out clean, leave bread in the oven for additional 5-minute intervals. Check for doneness after every 5 minutes.
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack at least 20 minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy the bread plain, with a bit of butter, jelly, or marmalade.
Nutrition
Notes
- Start with 1 cup of buttermilk. If the mixture is too dry, add up to ½ cup.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir, again, that is how my Granny taught me.
Pat Moreggi
Excellent recipe, make for a St Patrick’s Day party 2nd year in a row and get rave reviews
Eileen Murphy Kelly
Thank you so much Pat. I must have made 20 breads over the past 2 weeks for family and friends. So glad you are enjoying the recipe. It made my day better.
Chris
When do I add the raisins?
Eileen Murphy Kelly
Hi Chris, I don't know what happened to the raisins in the instructions. I fixed the recipe. The raisins go in right after the buttermilk and sour cream.
Marla Hutchison
Definitely the best soda bread I’ve ever made or eaten anywhere! It’s easy and delicious! This will be a go-to!
Eileen xo
Thank you, Marla. I am very proud of this bread recipe. Years of making it - I think this is the best soda bread recipe too.
Rit
Could I bake this bread in an enameled cast iron dutch oven instead of a cast iron skillet?
Eileen xo
I have not made one in a Dutch Oven. I'm thinking it would work as I make sour dough in it all the time. But I cannot guarantee as I have yet to try it. Now you have me thinking, my next bread this week - I will try it and get back to you.
Eleanor
This is the best soda bread I’ve made.. very light and moist ., Just the right sweetness., I’ve been making soda bread for 50 years
Eileen xo
So happy you enjoy the soda bread recipe, Eleanor. Thank you for coming back and letting me know how it worked for you.
barbara
I see someone inquired about gluten free flour. What about Gold Medal Bread Flour (since it’s technically a bread) or is safe to just stick with all-purpose?
Eileen xo
I have not tried bread flour. We are always experimenting. I am going to add this to my list to try but please let me know if you try it with bread flour and your results.
Patti Ansel
I have a question! My mother and grandmother -both passed-always made Irish soda bread from a recipe from my great grandmother from Ireland and it has caraway seeds in it? Is that the tradition? All recipes I see don’t call for that! Just curious—I love both ways!
Eileen xo
Hi Patti, My Grandmother also added the caraway seeds. However, as she got older she left them out because they were not agreeable for her teeth. I personally do not love caraway seeds in my bread so I leave it out. I will have to update the recipe and add caraway seeds as optional. I would start with 1 teaspoon and see how that works for you. Enjoy the recipe.
Gloria
I'm not one to leave comments but even my Irish grandma and pa would have said this was wonderful. I'm so pleased that I tried your recipe, thank you for sharing
Eileen xo
Thank you Gloria, I am honored with your comment and so happy you enjoyed the recipe.
Elaine Clark
This was the best Irish Soda bread I have ever made. Thank you for the delicious recipe!
Eileen xo
I'm so glad you enjoy it. This is one recipe I am so super proud of making and sharing. Thank you for coming back to let me know the recipe worked well for you. I hope you make it often and continue to enjoy.
Candi
This is the BEST Irish Soda Bread I have ever made.👍 My husband loved it. I gave up making it because it was too dry. I saw your recipe and said, "Ok, this sounds good, I 'll try once more!! Magic, thank you for sharing🍀🍀
Eileen xo
Hey Candi, you made my day! I am so happy you love the soda bread. I hope you enjoy it often. I made 10 today for family. Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
La
I made it and it turned out really good. Very rustic looking and delicious.
Eileen xo
I'm so glad you enjoy the bread. It has been a family recipe for years and I love sharing it with others.
Ashlee
Just made this for my family at the beginning of the week and again for a get together and everyone LOVED it. Delicious!! Thanks so much for sharing with us 🙂
Eileen xo
Thank you Ashlee, I am so happy everyone loved our Irish Soda Bread recipe. I hope you make it often and enjoy.
robin
Absolutely delicious! Moist and not all dry and crumbly. This is my go to from now on! Thank you!
Eileen xo
Thank you so much, Robin. Glad you are loving the bread.
Catherine
I made this for our St. Patty's Day dinner last night (a day early because my hubby has to work the evening shift), IT WAS AWESOME!!!! I have tried several recipes over the years and this will be the only one I use from now on. I was skeptical because I added a cup and 1/4 of buttermilk because at first it looked to dry, but then it looked too wet. When it baked it was perfectly moist. I love this bread, so easy and so delicious. Thank you for sharing!
Eileen xo
Catherine, this is just fantastic. I am so happy you enjoy the soda bread. You made my day better. Enjoy it and have a wonderful day.
Heather
Thank you Eileen 🙂
It’s been a few years and I forgot the easy awesome recipe given to me by a friend from Ireland. I tried this and it came out lovely. Family is very happy tonight!
Eileen xo
I am so happy you enjoy the bread, Heather. It is also so kind of you to let me know how it worked out for you and giving it such a nice rating. I hope you continue to make this bread often.
Joanne
Okay! I think I have a winner! This is my second attempt to make a good Irish Soda Bread and it is so much better than the first. I was a bit skeptical because I had to put it back in the oven twice because the inside looked a little undercooked. Pulled it out, sliced it while it was still hot, spread on some Kerrygold butter and YUM! Next time I think I’ll add just a bit more butter milk as I only used one cup. Thank you s
For sharing!
Eileen xo
Excellent Joanne, so glad it works for you. I generally end up using 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk to the bread. I am so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for leaving such a nice review. You made my day. Have a wonderful day.
maura walsh
best irish soda bread ever!!!!!
Eileen xo
Hi Maura, I am so happy you enjoy our soda bread. Thank you for taking the time to let me know. I hope you make it often.
Laurie
Prepared this as written with one exception. I put the raisins in warm water and drained them before adding. The bread was delicious. We shared with neighbors who have asked for more!!
This bread is moist with just enough sweetness. Serve it as a side to corned beef and cabbage or with your morning coffee. Tomorrow baking another. Thank you for sharing the recipe. Loved the stories of your "Granny" and her helpful hints!
Eileen xo
Aw, this is great Laurie. So happy you love the bread. My Granny was awesome, she'd be so happy you liked the bread.
Ilene
This is by far the best ever and so easy! Definitely one of our favorites!
Eileen xo
Thank you so very much Ilene. I am so glad you enjoyed the bread.
Laceye
Excellent! I make soda bread every year for St. Patrick's Day and this is the best one by far! Thanks 🍀❤️
Eileen xo
Wow, thank you so much Laceye! I am so happy you enjoyed the bread. I hope you make it often and enjoy! Happy Saint Patrick's Day.
JG
So delicious. I substituted olive oil for butter. Baked in a square foil pan for 50 min. Before baking I sprinkled coarse sugar on top. Came out golden brown and moist.
Eileen xo
Fantastic JG, I love the idea of olive oil. I have to try that variation. I'm so glad you enjoy the soda bread.
mary beth
Can I substitute plain yogurt for the sour cream. I making it today and have everything but sour cream. Can’t wait to try it on my family. This is the first recipe I have seen their calls for sour cream
Eileen xo
Hi Mary Beth - I have never used yogurt but I am sure it will be a good replacement for sour cream. I hope you enjoy and let me know how the yogurt works. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
Debra
I used Greek yogurt today and it came out great!!
Eileen Murphy Kelly
Ah, fabulous - glad you improvised and you enjoyed the bread.
James Talvy
Why does the ingredient list say "1 1/2 cups low-fat buttermilk" and the instructions say 1 cup??
Eileen xo
Hi James. The recipe uses 1 cup of buttermilk. Occasionally, and it usually depends of weather or altitude a little more buttermilk is needed. I have update the recipe to make that a bit more clear! I hope that helps and enjoy!
James Talvy
I made it today with 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk and it came out amazing!
Eileen xo
Awesome James! You have made my day! So glad you enjoy the bread!
richard schmidt
i want to make one for meeting Sunday (Saint Patrick's Day) and this looks like an excellent recipe to follow-but i was told its best to soak the raisins in a cup of Jameson Irish whiskey overnight-can i do that with this recipe?
Eileen xo
Hi Richard! You can certainly soak the raisins in Jameson overnight! The whiskey will add a nice flavor to the bread. I hope you check back in after you make the bread and let me know how you liked the bread! I hope you take a pic to share as well! Happy Saint Patrick's Day
Healing Tomato
I love Irish Soda Bread recipes. In the past, I have always been intimidated by baking them at home, but, you have given me the confidence to try it at home. This looks so delicious.
Eileen xo
Thank you so much! I hope you make and enjoy the soda bread!
Sandra Hoopes
This is the yummiest look Irish Soda Bread I have ever seen. I love that you added raisins! They are much easier to find than currents.
Eileen xo
Thank you Sandra! I love using raising in this bread too!
Dee
Can u use whole fat sour cream
Eileen xo
Absolutely! I use low-fat soup cream to cut calories but whole fat I have used with the same results. I hope you come back after you make it and let me know how it worked. Take a pic and post on Instagram 🙂
Rayz
I tried baking this yesterday and absolutely it was so delicious! My family loves it so much! Thank you for sharing this!
Eileen xo
You have made my day Rayz! I am so glad you and your family enjoyed the soda bread! I hope you make it often and enjoy!
Barbara Legener
I I made this for the first time, both easy and wonderful. The only trouble is, I could eat it all myself, it's that good.
Eileen xo
Barbara, that is awesome!So glad you enjoyed! I know, I try not to eat it until I have given away a half or I would eat it all too. Thank you for the kind comment! xo
Carol H
This was my first time making or even tasting Irish Soda Bread. It is fantastic! Thank you for this wonderful recipe
Eileen xo
Fantastic, Carol. I am so thrilled you enjoyed the Soda Bread. It is a keeper. I appreciate your taking the time to let me know.
Efrain Vargas-Hernandez
Hello and thank you for the awesome recipe. I just made it last night and brought it to church today. It was all gone. It was a hit. Very easy to put together. I will be using this recipe from now on. Have a great baking day.
Efriend
Eileen xo
I am so happy that you enjoyed the recipe Efrain! You have made my day. Glad you will be making this recipe regularly! Its a favorite of my families.
Sheila
I made this for our corned beef dinner! Wow! So moist and delicious! The best bread I ever had! Thank you for the recipe! It’s the only one I will be using from now on!
Eileen xo
Fabulous! I love this bread so much too! I am glad you are enjoying the recipe!
Marge
My doctor suggested I try Irish brown bread, as I have given up all "store-bought" bread. Just finished my first attempt and couldn't wait for it to complete cool. It's fabulous. Soda bread is next. Can't wait!! Thanks much for sharing your recipes with us.
Eileen xo
Yaayy Marge! I am so glad you enjoyed the Brown Bread and you are now making the soda bread. I will be sharing more homemade breads very soon. I hope you enjoy them as well
Connie
I threw out my old recipe and use this one always. It baked up beautifully nd was easy to make. There was just enough sweetness and it was moist. It got rave reviews from my guests.
Eileen xo
I am so happy to hear that Connie. I am happy you use this recipe all the time and that your guest like it. Enjoy and Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
Helen
Would it be wrong to use a different dried fruit, such as craisens? We're not really that wild about raisens.
Eileen xo
Helen, absolutely use craisins. I change things up all the time. During Christmas time, I love adding dried cranberries too! I hope you let me know how the recipe works for you! Enjoy!
Dallas
Real Irish soda bread has caraway seeds.
Eileen xo
Dallas, Caraway seeds are an option. Personally, I just do not like caraway seeds and never eat them. However, feel free to add them to your recipe and enjoy.
Carol
I made this yesterday and It was gone before I went to bed. We love it. Thank you for the recipe
Eileen xo
Fabulous Carol! I am so glad you and your family enjoyed the recipe! I am proud of this recipe! A family tradition!
Jeanne
This has become my families favorite bread. I have made it so many times, I thought I should let you know how great it is!
Eileen xo
Oh wow, Jeanne! Thank you! I am honored that your family enjoys the bread. We love it and I am so proud of it too!
Afia
Hi I followed recipe exactly but my dough was very wet. I had to add more flour. It came out great but reading comments none else seemed yo have this problem. What did I do different.
Eileen xo
I spoon the flour into a measuring cup to measure out my flour. I am wondering how you measured out your flour?
Terri
HI! I wanted to make this for St. Pattys day but didn't have time. I finally made it tonight and it's sooo good!! Very most and just sweet enough. I made it in 4 small loave pans and cut the baking time to 35-40 minutes. We are remodeling our kitchen so i'm going to freeze three of the loaves for when i don't have an oven. Thank you so much for sharing the recipe!!
Eileen xo
Terri, so glad you enjoyed the recipe!Great idea splitting into loaves for those days w/o your kitchen. How lucky to do a remodel too! I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
MaggieMae
I have loved Irish Soda Bread ever since trying it when I worked in Yosemite Valley 48 years ago. It is so delicious and filling. I'm planning on having this recipe tonight with the Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe I started this morning. With an Irish Coffee or 2 for dessert, a perfect St. Patty's Day!!!
Eileen xo
I am so happy you enjoyed the recipe MaggieMae! I also hope the corned beef and Irish Coffee were delicious!I hope you had a wonderful Saint Patrick's Day celebration!
Abra
This looks incredible! I love irish soda bread, cannot wait to try it!
Eileen xo
That is great Abra, glad you enjoy the recipe! Hope you let me know when you make the bread
Sasha @ Eat Love Eat
This bread looks really delicious!
Shannon
Hello, just stumbled upon this recipe. Have you even experimented with a GF flour blend like Cup4cup? Or similar brand? I grew up on this bread and now have a little one who has Celiac Disease. It's a large amount of flour to use up and flop with...any ideas.
Thank you for your time and input
Shannon
Eileen xo
I have not Shannon! I have to check it out! I have recently started experimenting with Gluten-free flour. I have to do some experimenting and I will try that flour to see how this recipe results.