🍀 Homemade Irish Soda Bread 🍀

There’s something so comforting about a warm loaf of Irish Soda Bread fresh from the oven. This version is slightly sweet, filled with raisins and dried fruit, and has a beautiful golden crust with a little sparkle of sugar on top.

Irish Soda Bread is one of those wonderful traditional recipes that doesn’t require yeast, which means you can mix it up and have a homemade loaf ready in about 30 minutes. The orange zest adds a fresh brightness that pairs perfectly with the dried fruit and buttery crumb.

One of my favorite traditions when making soda bread is cutting a cross into the top of the loaf. Irish folklore says it lets the fairies escape while baking — and who wouldn’t want a little kitchen magic?

This bread is perfect warm with butter, alongside a cup of tea, or served with a cozy dinner. It’s simple, rustic, and absolutely delicious.

If you love easy homemade baking, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep.

🍞 Recipe below!

Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup granulated sugar
Zest of 1 orange
3 tablespoons butter, cubed
1 large egg
¾ cup buttermilk
⅓ cup raisins
⅓ cup dried apricots, candied orange peel, or sultanas (or any dried fruit you prefer)

For the topping

1 tablespoon butter, melted
Sanding sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and orange zest.

3. Add the cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.

5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

6. Fold in the raisins and dried fruit of your choice.

7. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. The dough will be sticky. Knead gently 7–8 times just until it comes together.

8. Shape the dough into a 6-inch round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.

9. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with sanding sugar.

10. Using a sharp knife, cut a cross into the top of the loaf, then poke four small holes in the corners to “let the fairies out.”

11. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the loaf is golden brown.

12. Remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool.