Easy Irish Soda Bread
This simple, no-fuss bread doesn’t need any yeast or starter, so it comes together in no time. Sweet cranberries and bright, tangy orange zest add a fun, festive twist to every slice.
Ingredients
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter: 1 stick (cut into small pieces)
- 1 egg
- 1¾ cups buttermilk
- 1 Tbsp grated orange zest
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Generously butter a cast-iron pan, or line a baking sheet with parchment paper—whichever you prefer.
- Add 4 cups of the flour, along with the sugar, baking soda, and salt, to a large mixing bowl.
- Cut the cold unsalted butter into cherry-sized pieces. Add the butter to the dry ingredients, then use your fingers to gently work it into the mixture until it’s mostly blended.
- Add the buttermilk and orange zest to a separate mixing bowl. Using a fork, whisk the wet ingredients together. *If you don’t have buttermilk, use 1¾ cups milk plus 2 Tbsp vinegar or lemon juice.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir in the dried cranberries, then gently mix with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together. (The dough will be sticky—that’s okay!)
- Lightly flour a clean, flat surface with some of the remaining flour, then place the sticky dough on top. Sprinkle a little more flour over the dough and gently work it in. Continue to knead, adding a bit more flour as needed, until the dough feels smooth and holds a nice round shape.
- Place the shaped dough on the lined baking sheet or in the greased cast-iron pan. Using a sharp knife, gently score an “X” on top of the dough.
- Place the dough in the oven and bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown. You can also test it by inserting a long wooden toothpick or knife into the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready. *For the last 10 minutes of baking, cover the bread with foil to keep the top from getting too dark.*
- Allow the bread to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving with butter. Store in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 376kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 163mg | Potassium: 133mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 380IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 3mg
Disclaimer: All nutrition values are per serving and approximate. They will vary depending on products and quantities used.
