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The Recipe · No.636 · Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread, and where to source it

Irish Soda Bread — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Irish Soda Bread Irish 5best2buy.com

Soda bread needs no yeast, so the acid in the buttermilk and the baking soda do all the lifting and you must bake it right after mixing. Handle the dough as little as possible; overworking develops gluten and turns a tender loaf tough.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep10 min
Cook45 min
Makes1 loaf
CuisineIrish
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains  dairy · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 1 loaf
Flour
A mix of white and wholemeal gives the classic rough crumb; all-white works too.
4 cups
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Buttermilk
The acid reacts with the soda to leaven the loaf; do not substitute plain milk.
1.75 cups
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Butter
A little rubbed in enriches the crumb; the traditional plain loaf uses none.
2 tbsp
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Raisins
Optional in the sweeter version, folded through for a spotted loaf.
1/2 cup
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Baking soda
The whole rise depends on it; sift it in with the flour and salt.
1 tsp
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The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerSheet pan
The Method
  1. Mix dryWhisk flour, baking soda, and salt, then rub in the butter until it disappears.
  2. Bring togetherPour in the buttermilk and stir just until a shaggy dough forms; do not knead.
  3. Shape and cutPat into a round on a floured sheet and cut a deep cross in the top to let it open as it bakes.
  4. BakeBake at 425F for 15 minutes, drop to 400F for 30 more, until it sounds hollow when tapped underneath.
The Toolkit

Baking sheet · Mixing bowl · Bench scraper · Sharp knife · Cooling rack

Straight Answers
Can you make Irish Soda Bread in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.

Can you freeze Irish Soda Bread? — Yes

Yes — freeze it well-wrapped, then reheat or toast straight from frozen. Frost or glaze after thawing.

Can you make Irish Soda Bread ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.

Is Irish Soda Bread gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).

Is Irish Soda Bread vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

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