Irish Soda Bread
Warm, hearty and steeped in tradition, this Irish Soda Bread offers comfort with each slice. It’s a generation-old recipe, blending old-world charm with a rich, moist twist, courtesy of sour cream.
Golden on the surface and tender within, each loaf is studded with sweet raisins and lightly sweetened for balance. The mild tang of the sour cream gives it depth, making it addictive eaten plain, toasted or with the thinnest smear of butter.
Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea or as a cozy companion to soups and stews, this bread stays beautifully fresh for several days. It’s an effortless, soul-satisfying bake that tastes like home from the very first bite.
Irish Soda Bread – Ingredient Break Down
All-Purpose Flour
As the sturdy backbone of this traditional loaf, flour provides structure and forms the denser yet tender crumb that characterizes true Irish soda bread.
Sour Cream
A decadent departure from tradition, sour cream adds millions of rich, moist, tangy little nuggets, so that every slice remains pillowy and flavorful for days.
White Sugar
Only a little sweetness, just enough to soften the bready tang of its edge and bring out the plain raisin’s best, without diminishing its brawny country character.
Raisins
Plump and a little chewy, they provide puffs of natural sweetness that contrast lovely with the hearty stiffness of the bread.
Eggs
Eggs, which are crucial for binding, enrich the dough; they also contribute to the golden crust and tender interior that’s so inviting in this loaf.
Irish Soda Bread — A Soften, Tender Take on the Comforting Classic
Baked with love and tradition passed down for generations, this Irish Soda Bread yields a rustic loaf with a tender, rich crumb — courtesy of a little sour cream stir-in. It’s sweetened just enough to mitigate the tang, and studded with raisins that give chewy pops of flavor in each mouthful. Whether you’re celebrating your heritage or just have a hankering for a homemade loaf with a heartwarming back story, this recipe is as simple to make as it is satisfying.
Recipe Tips
Don’t Over-Mix the Batter
This bread gets its gentle crumb from a light hand. Overworking the batter can overdevelop the gluten in the flour, leading to a dense, tough texture. Stir just until everything’s combined — no more, no less. The batter should be thick, a bit lumpy, and not smooth like cake batter.
Make Sure Ingredients Are At Room Temperature
For a more even texture and baking, ensure that your sour cream and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven distribution and mess with the bread’s rise. For best results, let them sit for 30 minutes before baking.
3..cz: Add a Splash of Citrus (If You Like)
For a fresh variation, add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter. These gentle additions brighten the overall flavor and complement the sweetness of the raisins, giving the classic loaf a perfumed lift.
Irish Soda Bread: What to Serve with It
Classic Butter and Jam
A warm slice slathered with creamy butter and jam — strawberry, raspberry, even orange marmalade — is what Sunday mornings are made for. The simplicity lets the bread’s flavor shine through while also contributing a hit of indulgence.
Alongside Stews and Soups
Irish Soda Bread pairs naturally with hearty foods. Accompany it with a bowl of Irish stew, beef and barley soup or creamy potato leek soup. The bread’s slightly sweet profile and dense crumb work to its advantage, making it a great dipping vehicle.
Cheese or smoked salmon and toasted
For a savory snack, toast thick slices and add sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese. Top with smoked salmon and a sprinkle of herbs for a fancy twist perfect for brunch or entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it possible to make Irish Soda Bread without raisins?
Yes, the raisins are optional. You can omit them altogether or swap in other dried fruits, such as currants, cranberries or chopped dates.
Q2: What’s the best way to store the bread to keep it fresh?
When fully cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It stays moist and fresh for 3–4 days at room temp. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months.
Q3: _ I can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt plain is a good replacement for sour cream. It will retain the moisture and a similar tang, though the texture may vary a little.
Q4: My soda bread is crumbly, or dry. Why?
Dryness can be the result of over-mixing or over-baking, or of too little fat (sour cream). Be sure to follow the recipe measurements closely, and also check for doneness at the 55-minute point to avoid overbaking.
This Irish Soda Bread recipe shows that sometimes all it takes is a few humble ingredients and a little bit of tradition to create something truly special (a loaf that nourishes, comforts and gathers people around the table).
Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 pint sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup raisins
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Here’s the recipe that I am sharing with you: Preheat oven at 325F (165C). Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans well so they release from the pans easily after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt to evenly combine all dry ingredients.
- Mix the sour cream, eggs and raisins into the dry mixture. Stir lightly, just enough to mix the ingredients. Take care not to mix too much to keep the crumb tender.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Smooth the surface of each loaf for even baking.
- Place the pans in the preheated oven. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaves cool, slightly, in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
