Easy Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Reviewed on Mar. 26, 2013 by FranJJJ

I agree with the comments that this bread in no way resembles traditional irish soda bread. It is more like a tea bread. Traditional or not, it's very good. Two tablespoons of carraway seeds infuses the bread with that distinctive, almost anise-like flavor, so if you don't like that taste, either cut way back on the amount or don't include it. I made the bread using a mixture of dried cherries, raisins, and cranberries instead of just raisins, and that worked out very well. The leftovers make outstanding toast.

Reviewed on Mar. 19, 2013 by lauri0

i just made this and it still seemed dry and flavorless. i think it still needed a little buttermilk. i used some cheapy beaters to mix it because it was balling/crumbling. maybe that made it dry, and i forgot the salt.

Reviewed on Mar. 18, 2013 by mom410kids

Loved this recipe! I ground the caraway seed in my coffee grinder, love the flavor not the texture. I only had 1 cup of sour cream so I substituted 1 cup of buttermilk with the sour cream. I also used 1 cup of whole wheat flour with 2 1/2 cups of all purpose, because I like the texture.

Reviewed on Mar. 18, 2013 by cuonthbeach

Took this to a party last night and everyone raved about how moist it was. My husband loved it and this was most definitely a keeper. Will definitely make this again.

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2013 by GamiPami

So today was My 43th wedding anniversary & being St. Patrick's Day thought I would cook dinner, 1st time making Corned Beef with potatoes & onions, then thought what else can I do? but of course Irish Soda Bread... never making this before either I searched my sights includuing this one as all recipes called for buttermilk BUT this one was sour cream ...got that in the house & everything else so GO FOR IT!!!!! and glad I did it was SSSOOO GOOD husband said make that more often "just because" the corned beef was good but he was honest after dinner saying he really never liked corned beef, LOL What a guy 34 yrs later & now I realize why I never made it. And I cut the bread recipe in half as it was for Us two only & did what "calidreamin" suggested & baked on a cookie sheet that I lined with non-stick foil & it was PERFECT!!!!!

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2013 by Starfire5

I have been making Irish soda bread for over 30 years with my previous recipe - UNTIL I found this one a year or so ago. My only change is NO caraway seeds - I substituted 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (like my previous recipe). I can't stand caraway seeds, and the nutmeg is so much better. I also used half plain nonfat yogurt today and it was just as good as the sour cream. Great recipe - will continue to make this one (with my change, of course! ;) ). The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I just don't get the caraway seeds. With my change, it is EXCELLENT!

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2013 by mjlouk

We apparently do not like Irish Soda Bread! This recipe was really easy to make though. I don't think there is anything wrong with the recipe I think we just don't like the flavor of the caraway seeds.

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2013 by maidinnj

I made this recipe today and LOVED it-- as did my whole family. It may not be the "real Irish deal" but it's quick and it's delicious. I upped the sugar to one cup, took out the caraway seeds, used dried cherries instead of raisins, and similar to others, I ended up literally mixing by hand and then moving by hand into the pan. When done, I sprinkled some cane sugar and cinnamon over the top. I will make this again (and again).

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2013 by coconutpatty

This was moist and not at all heavy like I thought it might be. I left out the caraway seeds, so it was more like a cake than a bread. When incorporating the wet and dry ingredients, it was too thick for a spoon, so I mixed it with my hands, being careful to only get the dry ingredients moistened. It got rave reviews when I took it to church. I plan on making it often.

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2013 by Teresa Cortez

SO GOOD!!! It came out soft and moist. This is the BEST soda bread ever!!! I made it today for our St. Patrick's day lunch and everybody loved it!! This recipe is highly recommended by me.

Reviewed on Mar. 15, 2013 by dollargirl

For a non-Irish like me, this is just perfect! So delicious - we finished the first loaf in just one sitting and I had to make another the next day.

Reviewed on Mar. 14, 2013 by Shellc1971

This is NOT a traditional Irish soda bread. It is a cake, at best. My family is Irish and I hate seeing how the traditional bread has been altered so much as to become a dessert. The bread is a simple mix of flour, sour milk (or buttermilk), baking soda, and salt. If the recipe calls for anything else, it is NOT a traditional Irish Soda Bread. When were peasants in 19th century using all these fancy incredients?? They didn't. The recipe listed is ok but not much of a "soda bread".

Reviewed on Mar. 14, 2013 by califdreamin@nemont.net

I haven't made this recipe, but it's very similar to the one I use and wanted to put in my 2cents worth. I scrape the dough out onto a well floured surface and knead a few times. It's sticky, so keep your hands and surface well dusted. I form it into a round ball and transfer it onto a cookie sheet that's been oiled with spray or a little whatever works. I flatten it slightly but not squished, and lightly score the surface into wedges. This wouldn't be necessary, but gives a nice appearance. In doing this, one does not need a springform pan and it looks more like authentic Irish Soda Bread...

just sayin'

Reviewed on Mar. 02, 2013 by jobrug

Best Irish Soda Bread I've ever tasted. Nice and moist.

Reviewed on Mar. 19, 2012 by sperbeckm

I love this recipe! Super-easy and yummy (and I love recipes that I can use my springform pan with, instead of it just sitting in the cabinet). Love the caraway and the raisins - I usually throw in a little bit extra of both. Once cooled, I usually throw a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm it up and serve with butter.

Reviewed on Mar. 18, 2012 by Irish8Mom

Loved this recipe, but I think I made a mistake....I bought "lite" sour cream so the dough was very stiff. It was still moist but kind of difficult to "spoon" into the pan.

Reviewed on Mar. 18, 2012 by 1275

Great recipe! I served this for my St. Patrick's day meal yesterday. I did make a few changes however. I halved the recipe because I thought it made a lot, and still put in an a 9 in. springform pan. I also used half sour cream and half buttermilk and left out the raisins. I baked it at the same temp. for only 30 minutes but I might have overbaked it a little. I might try 25 minutes next time and check it. I sliced it into 8 wedges. I loved the flavor, very interesting taste. My siblings loved the new appearance, they look like wedges of pie. It is probably a little dry for my tastes, but I will make it again because I like the flavor and they are great with butter on top.

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2012 by mandy0126

Soft and delicious! Everyone loved it!

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2012 by kodak853

This turned out great! I had never made Irish Soda bread before and didn't know what to expect, pleasantly surprised! It was so moist.

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2012 by Foodieatheart67

This looks great!

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2012 by Balbright

I had never had Irish Soda Bread before but this was very easy and fantastic! I love the caraway seeds but not everyone does. It is not diet by any means but it is awesome for once a year.

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2012 by adelaide03

very easy, better tasting than others I've tried that were much more involved

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2012 by lsmith1121

This is the best and easiest recipe ever! It has become a St. Patrick's Day tradition in our home.

Reviewed on Mar. 05, 2012 by kredhead

Tired of tasteless & hard soda bread from the store, I tried this recipe and now it is my go-to Irish Soda Bread recipe. This is not like typical dry soda bread, it is moist and delicious. I used golden raisins because it is what I had on hand, it tasted authentic and remained moist. The dough is sticky and hard to mix-I broke my scraper trying to fold in the raisins! Well worth the effort, quick & easy..and delicious.

Reviewed on Apr. 30, 2011 by cklop

I skipped the caraway seeds (didn't care for it) and this bread is yummy. The whole family loved it. Will make it again definitely!

Reviewed on Apr. 12, 2011 by jaykayone

i will make this again - my entire family loved it and it was easy to make !

Reviewed on Apr. 09, 2011 by flyglo

Excellent...I agree a bit more cake like but it was fabulous with my Guinness Irish Stew on St. Patty's day. Had many requests for the recipe. I also made traditional soda bread that was everyone's second choice. This is a keeper!

Reviewed on Apr. 01, 2011 by sperbeckm

Very easy recipe - took me awhile to find caraway in the store, but worth it; it added a nice taste to the bread. Very soft and moist bread, and it gave me an excuse to use my springform pans. Will definitely make again!

Reviewed on Mar. 24, 2011 by ferndale52

i liked the use of the springform pan in this recipe. it stayed moist and was on the sweet side. more like a cake than the traditional loaf.

Reviewed on Mar. 20, 2011 by sherri6332000

I don't know what true Irish Soda is supposed to taste like, but this recipe works great for me. I tweeked it some and cut the recipe in half as it would've been too much for me and I baked it in an 8 inch springform pan. I also bought it for this recipe, but it's ok as I've seen many recipes I've wanted to try that needed one of these pans. I left out the caraway seeds and soaked the raisins in orange juice. When I made the dough I added the juice as well. Was a tad sticky and I didn't want to add more flour so it was more or less a drop dough that I pressed in the pan. It came out awesome, the juice made a difference. Also sprinkled sugar/cinnamon on top before baking. Smelled heavenly

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2011 by summer888

This is great! I made it for a work potluck and got great feedback. I think it would make a good stand-in for cornbread with a soup or stew. I don't like caraway much but it fits this recipe nicely. I forgot to put in the raisins but didn't miss them. The dough looks like buttermilk biscuit dough, gooey and sticky but not runny or a ball. Does anyone else think this recipe would work in a regular 8" round cake pan? I bought a springform just for this, and while it was easy, I'm not sure it was necessary.

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2011 by leannas

I have made this recipe several times now and it always gets rave reviews, even from the kids who don't always like raisins in their baked goods. It is so moist! If you don't care for the taste of caraway seeds, I have made this recipe without them and it turns out fine either way. You can substitute buttermilk for the sour cream.

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2011 by char4164

I added chocolate chips instead of raisins. I also took out the caraway seeds and added green sprinkles. It was a nice sweet treat for the kids (and myself).

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2011 by chillybeans

I was just wondering if it is supposed to be more like a ball of dough or is it supposed to be gooey dough? I was basically pushing it into the pan instead of pouring it! What did I do wrong?

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2011 by dollargirl

Very easy to make, nice flavor from the carraway seeds.

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2011 by BakinGymnast

This was disgusting. The caraway seeds made it taste horrible. We did not like this at all. I will definitely not make this again.

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2011 by clumbatt

This bread is great. I didn't have caraway seeds but the bread is still great. I made it for a dinner party and everyone really liked it. Will definitely make it again.

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2011 by mahllynn

Hello Vinny 0131, you stated last year that you had a great recipe for Irish Soda Bread.  Can you share it?  I don't like the caraway seeds in this one either. 

Thanks!

Mahllynn 

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2011 by lurky27

YUM! My husband baked this as a surprise treat for us. Perfect for St. Patrick's Day!

~ Theresa

Reviewed on Mar. 15, 2011 by kayesandra

I have tried other Irish Soda Bread recipes and found all to be rather dry, coarse & tasteless. This may not be "Real" Irish Soda Bread and that's probably why my family all loved it. Thanks for a great recipe that I will be making again & again.

Reviewed on Mar. 14, 2011 by squatch44

Easy to make...taste good...what more could you ask for!

Reviewed on Mar. 13, 2011 by DmKottwitz

I have made this bread for several years and my family loves it. Other Irish soda breads are tasteless and hard. I don't waste my money to make the others.

Reviewed on Mar. 03, 2011 by mrtweet2@sbcglobal.net

what is the carb count on one slice

Reviewed on Jan. 26, 2011 by claudiaj

I just made this bread today. Usually, I make soda bread with buttermilk, but now I will use sour cream. Everyone loved it.

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2010 by HollinsNo1

I have always wanted to try Irish Soda Bread and I made this today. It is delicious.

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2010 by holee

absolutely fantastic. Had a slice for lunch while hot and hubby said it was the best I have ever made. Thanks for the recipe. Fantabulous.

Reviewed on Mar. 14, 2010 by MustLoveDogs

My family did not care for the caraway seeds and it may not be "old world" soda bread (maybe closer to shortbread in taste) but it was very good!

Reviewed on Mar. 14, 2010 by tkarinas

Oddly enough, I find this recipe delicious and so does my family. I know a lot of people do not agree but we like it and will be making it many more times.

Reviewed on Mar. 14, 2010 by vinny0131

NIX the caraway seeds!1 I have a recipe for Irish soda bread that is made with lowfat buttermilk and golden raisins, no comparison!!!!!!

Reviewed on Mar. 14, 2010 by lizabtha

To call this soda bread is just wrong. It's an okay quick bread, but it sure isn't Irish Soda Bread. The flavour is all wrong.

Reviewed on Apr. 07, 2009 by ChosenCheesecake

My 13 year old daughter made this recipe on her own for a social studies project. It was fabulous! I was so impressed, hope her teacher is too!