Fritando Ovo

Easy Irish Soda Bread (No Yeast, Ready in Under 1 Hour)

This easy Irish soda bread is a quick and budget-friendly recipe that costs around $4-$6 NZD per loaf. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 1 hour, it’s soft, fluffy, and perfect for everyday baking.

Sliced Irish soda bread showing soft fluffy interior and rustic texture
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
35 minutes
Total
45 minutes min
Yield
1 Loaf
Calories
1900

Ingredients

  • 256 g whole wheat flour
  • 256 g all-purpose flour
  • 30 g cold butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 340 ml buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • Oats (for topping)

Instructions

Prepare the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, mix: Whole wheat, All-purpose flour and Salt
  2. Add the cold butter and lightly mix.

Prepare the Liquid

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk: buttermilk and egg

Combine

  1. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients.
  2. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Do NOT overmix — no kneading required.

Shape the Dough

  1. Transfer to a floured tray.
  2. Form into a round loaf and flatten slightly (about 4 cm thick).

Score the Bread

  1. Cut a cross on top and lightly pierce each section.

Finish

  1. Brush with leftover buttermilk and sprinkle oats on top.

Bake

  1. Bake at 200°C for 35-40 minutes until golden.

Watch It Made

Watch Easy Irish Soda Bread (No Yeast, Ready in Under 1 Hour) on YouTube

Why You’ll Love This

  • No yeast required — ready much faster than traditional bread
  • Simple ingredients you likely already have at home
  • Soft inside with a rustic, golden crust
  • Perfect for beginners — no kneading or proofing needed

Tips for Best Results

  • Do not overmix the dough — mix just until combined to keep the bread soft
  • Use fresh baking soda for a proper rise
  • If you don’t have buttermilk, mix milk with lemon juice or vinegar
  • Score a deep cross on top to help the bread bake evenly
  • Bake until golden and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped

Give It Your Own Twist

  • Add raisins or dried fruit for a sweeter version
  • Mix in cheese or herbs for a savoury twist
  • Use whole wheat flour for a more traditional rustic loaf
  • Add seeds or oats on top for extra texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Irish soda bread without buttermilk?

Yes, you can use milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.

Why is my soda bread dense?

This usually happens from overmixing the dough or using old baking soda.

How do I know when it’s fully baked?

The bread should be golden and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Can I freeze Irish soda bread?

Yes, let it cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

How long does soda bread last?

It’s best eaten fresh but can last 2-3 days stored in an airtight container.