Small Batch Irish Soda Bread
Most people think that soda bread is bland and dry, but they probably just haven't tried a good one! Made with whole wheat flour, this soda bread is moist, hearty, and super flavorful. This small batch recipe makes a loaf perfect for one or two people. It's easily finished in one meal!
Servings: 1 small loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour or sub all purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup raisins optional
- 1 cup buttermilk see notes for alternatives
- 1 tablespoon salted or unsalted butter for melting on top of bread after baking
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 390ºF. Line a baking sheet or dutch oven with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Then add the cubed butter and cut into the flour using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers. There is a lot of flour compared to butter, so don't worry if it's not perfect. The butter should be around pea sized pieces. Stir in the raisins until evenly distributed. Then add the buttermilk and stir/fold the mixture until it forms a cohesive ball.
- Pour the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Sprinkle some flour on top of the dough and knead until all of the dough is evenly moistened.
- Transfer the dough ball to the prepared baking sheet or dutch oven. Use a very sharp knife to cut an X into the top of the dough ball, around 1/2 inch deep. If baking with a dutch oven, do not use a lid. Transfer to oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. The internal temperature should be around 190ºF.
- Once done baking, remove from oven and immediately spread one tablespoon butter on top. Allow to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Serve bread warm with butter and any desired toppings. Enjoy!