Irish Soda Bread with Currants and Orange Zest Recipe
This traditional Irish Soda Bread recipe delivers a rustic, tender loaf with a slightly sweet flavor and bursts of dried currants. Made with simple pantry ingredients like flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and butter, this bread is quick to prepare and requires no yeast, making it perfect for a cozy homemade treat. The subtle hint of orange zest adds a fresh twist to this classic comfort bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 1 serving)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus 1 tablespoon for tossing currants)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 1 3/4 cups cold buttermilk, shaken
- 1 extra-large egg
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup dried currants
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s ready for baking the bread.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the 4 cups of flour, sugar, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- Cut in Butter: On low speed, mix the cold diced butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate smaller bowl, lightly whisk together the cold buttermilk, egg, and grated orange zest until just barely combined.
- Add Wet to Dry: Slowly pour the buttermilk mixture into the mixer bowl with the flour and butter, mixing slowly until just combined to form a wet dough.
- Prepare Currants: Toss the dried currants with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from clumping together, then fold them gently into the dough.
- Shape Dough: Flour a clean surface generously, scrape the dough onto it, and rub flour on your hands. Knead the dough only a few times to bring it together, then shape it into a round loaf.
- Score the Bread: Using a sharp knife, lightly cut an X on the top of the loaf; traditionally done to protect the household and aid in baking.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes until golden brown.
- Check Doneness: Use the toothpick test by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the soda bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use cold ingredients, especially the butter and buttermilk, to ensure a tender crumb.
- Knead the dough minimally to avoid tough bread.
- Traditionally, the X scored on top of the bread is said to ward off evil spirits.
- Currants can be substituted with raisins if preferred.
- Serve with butter, jam, or alongside soups and stews for a classic Irish meal.
