She Strengthens

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Classic Irish Treat

Irish soda bread is a beloved tradition, much like corned beef and Guinness gingerbread, that deserves to be enjoyed year-round. This simple yet flavorful bread, made with a combination of baking powder and baking soda, is perfect for serving alongside a warm, comforting bowl of homemade soup or stew.

A Brief History of Irish Soda Bread

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind this delicious bread. Irish soda bread has its roots in traditional Irish baking, where it was often made with basic ingredients like buttermilk, flour, and baking soda. The addition of baking powder revolutionized the recipe, making it lighter and fluffier. To learn more about the evolution of quick breads and chemical-leavened baked goods, be sure to check out our in-depth guide.

Recipe Details

Yields: 1 loaf
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 6 ounces unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), softened
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
• 1 large egg

Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mixing the Dough

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. Switch to the paddle attachment and add 4 ounces (1 stick) of the softened butter. Mix on medium-low speed until the butter is fully incorporated.
3. Add 1 cup of buttermilk and the egg, mixing until well combined.

Kneading and Shaping

1. Replace the paddle attachment with the dough hook and knead the dough on medium-low speed until it’s smooth and elastic.
2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few more times by hand.
3. Form the dough into a round shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet.

The Finishing Touches

1. Melt the remaining 2 ounces (1/2 stick) of butter and combine it with the remaining 1/4 cup of buttermilk in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
2. Brush the loaf with the glaze, then use a sharp knife to cut an “X” into the top of the loaf.

Baking and Serving

1. Bake the loaf for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check for doneness after 30 minutes.
2. Transfer the loaf to a cooling rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy!