Irish Soda Bread (White)

Indyellen's Note:

A clasic Irish soda bread. I found it in the "Irish Heritage Cookbook", but have modified it slightly. Also can have herbs added.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Yield: 1 loaf

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (I prefer unbleached)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 pinch salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Lightly grease a 9-inch cake pan or 9x5 inch loaf pan.
3. Sift the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and a pinch of salt together in a large bowl.
4. Stir in the sugar.
5. Make a well in the center, add the buttermilk, and work the milk into the flour until a soft dough is formed.
6. It should be slightly elastic and not too sticky.
7. If it appears too sticky, add flour a little at a time until you have a good dough.
8. Turn the dough into the prepared pan and cut either a slit or a cross into the top.
9. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 400 degrees and bake until bread is golden brown and firm to the touch.
10. (About 45 minutes.) Let cool slightly before slicing.
11. Best if served warm with fresh butter, but also good fully cooled.

Reviews

[RJ Hallstrom]

Just took this bread out of the oven about 30 minutes ago... and it's already half gone! Family loves it and gave it many compliments. I made it exactly according to directions, no substitutions. Not sure why anyone takes the time to make yeast bread, when this is so easy and fast.

[Meighan]

I have been making this Irish soda bread for St. Patrick’s Day for several years and it is a favorite! The Irish Heritage Cookbook is one of my favorite Irish cookbooks.