Traditional Irish Fruit Soda Bread Recipe

This Traditional Irish Fruit Soda Bread is an authentic and popular Irish recipe. It has a lovely crunchy and chewy crust and a soft crumb studded with dried fruit. It is usually enjoyed simply with butter and occasionally some jam depending on your preferences. This bread is fabulously simple and quick to make. Soda bread relies on the reaction between baking soda and buttermilk to help the bread rise so there is no yeast or waiting required. I used sultanas in this recipe but currants are also a very popular addition.

So how do I make this Traditional Irish Fruit Soda Bread from scratch?

This no yeast bread comes together very easily with just a few simple steps.

Begin by adding the flour, sugar, salt and baking soda to a large mixing bowl. Mix together briskly. Add the sultanas and mix again. Pour the buttermilk into the middle of the flour and using a wooden spoon, mix everything until just combined. As soon as all the flour has been incorporated, stop mixing the dough. Sprinkle flour over a clean work surface and transfer the dough. Dust the top of the dough with more flour and carefully shape into a round shape. Transfer the dough to a lined, flat baking tray.

Using a sharp knife, slice a cross into the middle of the dough. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until cooked. To check the bread is cooked, you can gently press the bread in the middle. If it springs back, it is cooked. You can also check the bottom of the bread, if it has turned golden brown and looks completely dry, it is cooked. Allow to bread to cool before slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more Bread Recipes, you can check out my Bread Category.