Chef John's Irish Soda Bread

4.7
(114)
92 Reviews
39 Photos

This Irish soda bread recipe is a great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, which is right around the corner! If made correctly, this is one of the best quick breads (those leavened without yeast) you'll ever have. It's subtly sweet, with a light, tender crumb, and not at all dry.

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
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Updated on December 28, 2023
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Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Additional Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 30 mins
Servings:
16
Yield:
2 loaves
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup whole wheat flour

  • ¼ cup rolled oats

  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt

  • 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

  • 1 ¾ cups buttermilk

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 tablespoons honey, or more to taste

  • 2 teaspoons grated orange zest

  • 1 cup dried currants

  • ⅓ cup golden raisins

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

  2. Whisk together flours, oats, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a large bowl. Cut butter into flour mixture using a pastry blender until mixture resembles a coarse meal.

  3. Beat together buttermilk, egg, honey, and orange zest in a medium bowl. Pour buttermilk mixture, currants, and raisins into flour-butter mixture; stir with a wooden spoon until a wet, sticky dough comes together.

  4. Turn dough out onto a well-floured work surface; press dough together into a ball and cut into 2 equal pieces. Form each into a smooth, round loaf. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and let rest for 15 minutes. Cut a 1/2-inch-deep "X" into the top of each loaf using a serrated knife.

  5. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and fragrant, about 45 minutes. Transfer loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Recipe Tip

You can use quick-cooking oats in place of rolled oats if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

195 Calories
4g Fat
36g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 195
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4g 5%
Saturated Fat 2g 11%
Cholesterol 20mg 7%
Sodium 382mg 17%
Total Carbohydrate 36g 13%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 5g 10%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 67mg 5%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 200mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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