Irish Soda Bread
This Irish soda bread is a classic quick bread leavened with baking soda and buttermilk, made extra hearty with seedless raisins. It’s mixed gently (no yeast needed) and baked in a 9×5 loaf pan.
Enjoy it plain or finish it with a simple confectioners’ sugar icing for a sweeter slice.
Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients
- 3 cups sifted flour
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups seedless raisins
- 2 eggs, well beaten
- 1 3/4 to 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons melted shortening
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Stir in raisins.
- Combine eggs, buttermilk, and melted shortening.
- Add liquid mixture to dry ingredients; mix just until flour is moistened.
- Turn batter into prepared pan and bake about 1 hour, or until done.
- Remove from pan immediately. Cool before slicing.
- Optional: Ice with confectioners’ sugar mixed with a little water.
- Optional: Make two small loaves and reduce baking time.
Total Cook Time: about 1 hour
Equipment: 9×5-inch loaf pan
Servings: about 8–10+ servings
Irish Soda Bread FAQ
Why do you mix soda bread just until moistened?
Soda bread can turn dense if overmixed. Stir gently so the loaf stays tender.
Can I make two small loaves instead of one?
Yes. This recipe notes you can make two smaller loaves and reduce the baking time.
Do I have to use raisins?
Raisins are traditional in this version, but you can reduce them or omit them if you prefer a plainer loaf.
How do I know when it’s done?
The bread is done when the top is set and a tester inserted near the center comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs).
Can I add icing?
Yes. The recipe suggests a simple icing made from confectioners’ sugar mixed with a little water.