Why is my Traditional Irish Soda Bread so dense?

The most common reason for a dense loaf is overworking the dough. Traditional Irish Soda Bread relies on the reaction between baking soda and buttermilk; if you knead it too much, you knock out the air bubbles and develop too much gluten, resulting in a heavy texture.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

No, regular milk lacks the acidity needed to react with the baking soda. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

What is the purpose of the cross cut on top?

Beyond the folklore of 'letting the devil out,' the cross serves a functional purpose. It allows the heat to penetrate the thickest part of the dough, ensuring the bread cooks evenly and expands without cracking uncontrollably.

How long does soda bread stay fresh?

Because it contains no preservatives or fats (like butter or oil), it is best eaten within 24 hours. However, it makes excellent toast for 2-3 days after baking.

Traditional Irish Soda Bread: The Heartwarming, No-Yeast Miracle You Need

Name: Traditional Irish Soda Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 4 cups (580g) all-purpose flour; 1½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups (470ml) cold buttermilk

Description

An authentic, 4-ingredient Irish bread that requires no yeast and no kneading, yielding a crusty loaf with a soft, tangy center.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups (580g) all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups (470ml) cold buttermilk

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light dusting of flour.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the cold buttermilk. Stir gently until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently fold it 3-4 times just to bring it together—do not knead.
Step 5: Shape into a round loaf and place on the baking sheet. Cut a deep cross into the top with a sharp knife.
Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Notes

Ensure the buttermilk is very cold and do not over-mix the dough, or the bread will be tough. Use a sharp knife for the cross cut.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 240 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 1.5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 2mg

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

Join Eldralys Recipes!