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Chef John's Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Chef John's Irish Soda Bread Recipe

This Irish soda bread is a quick, no-yeast loaf that delivers excellent flavor and texture with minimal effort. The combination of buttermilk, honey, citrus zest, and dried fruit creates a subtly sweet bread with a tender crumb and rustic character.
It is an ideal recipe when you want fresh homemade bread without extensive preparation. The loaf also stores well, making it practical for enjoying over several days.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 16
Calories: 195
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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 cubed
  • 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons honey or to taste
  • 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
  • 1 cup dried currants
  • ⅓ cup golden raisins

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Pastry blender or fork
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat
  • Serrated knife
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, oats, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
  3. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat the buttermilk, egg, honey, and orange zest together.
  5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients along with the currants and raisins, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
  6. Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface, gently press it into a ball, and divide it into two equal portions.
  7. Shape each portion into a smooth round loaf.
  8. Place the loaves on the prepared baking sheet and let them rest for 15 minutes.
  9. Cut a deep X into the top of each loaf using a serrated knife.
  10. Bake for about 45 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
  11. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

This recipe proves that simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can produce a truly satisfying homemade bread.
With its tender interior, golden crust, and balanced sweetness, it offers comfort without complexity.
Whether made for a holiday celebration or a quiet weekend at home, it is a dependable bake that consistently delivers delicious results.