Description
Grandma’s Irish Soda Bread is a traditional and easy-to-make Irish bread that uses simple ingredients like flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and optionally raisins or currants. This quick bread features a characteristic cross cut on top, baked to a golden crust and a tender crumb, perfect served warm with butter and jam.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Optional
- 1 cup raisins or currants (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a round 9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar until evenly combined. This dry mixture forms the base of the bread.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the buttermilk and melted unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the dough just comes together; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Add Raisins: If you are including raisins or currants, fold them carefully into the dough to distribute them evenly without breaking up the dough.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf shape, taking care not to compress it too much. Transfer the shaped dough into the prepared baking pan.
- Cut the Top: Using a sharp knife, make a deep cross or “X” cut across the top of the loaf. This traditional cut helps the bread cook evenly and gives it its classic appearance.
- Bake the Bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the bread is a golden brown color and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Slice once cooled somewhat, and serve warm with butter and jam for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough; overworking can make the bread dense and tough.
- The cross cut on top is traditional and helps the bread bake evenly.
- For best results, use fresh baking soda and proper buttermilk for the tangy flavor.
- This bread is best eaten the day it is baked but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days.
- Optional raisins or currants add sweetness and texture but can be omitted if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
