Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the rolling green hills of Ireland with this incredible Easter Bread Irish Soda Bread recipe! Imagine pulling a golden, crusty loaf out of the oven that's so delicious, it'll make your family think you've secretly trained with a traditional Irish baker. This quick and easy bread is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that brings the warmth of Irish hospitality right to your kitchen, with no complicated techniques or hours of rising time required.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This will help to aerate the flour and evenly distribute the baking soda.
- Add 1/4 cup of sugar to the flour mixture and stir until combined. This will add a subtle sweetness to the bread.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in 1 3/4 cups of buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gently mix the ingredients together until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
- Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for about 1-2 minutes, just until it is smooth and cohesive.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf, approximately 1 to
- 5 inches thick. Place the loaf onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross on the top of the loaf. This allows the bread to expand while baking and gives it a classic appearance.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the top of the loaf to give it a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The internal temperature should reach around 190°F (88°C).
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This will help to set the texture and make it easier to slice.
- Serve the Irish Soda Bread warm or at room temperature, ideally with butter or your favorite spread. Enjoy your homemade Easter Bread!
Tips
- Use fresh buttermilk for the best flavor and texture. The acidity helps activate the baking soda, creating a tender crumb.
- Don't overwork the dough! Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the bread light and soft.
- The deep cross-scoring isn't just traditional—it helps the bread bake evenly and allows steam to escape.
- Check doneness by tapping the bottom of the bread. A hollow sound means it's perfectly baked.
- For extra richness, consider adding dried currants or raisins to the dough before baking.
- Serve warm with Irish butter for an authentic experience that'll make you feel like you're sitting in a cozy Irish cottage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
