Skillet Irish Soda Bread

A simple and classic, authentic Irish soda bread, ready in one hour with no kneading involved!  

Skillet Irish Soda Bread | URBAN BAKES

Having never been raised to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with traditional Irish foods, I’ve decided to give it a go with a classic Irish Soda Bread.  To my knowledge in Ireland, this bread is eaten year round but over the past few years, I’ve begun to notice [in the U.S.] soda bread and brown bread have become more prevalent on or around the holiday.  (It must be the American food bloggers doing this.) And for this reason, I had to see what’s up with this bread and put it to the test!

Perhaps next year I’ll incorporate other traditional Irish foods such as: Shepherd’s pie, colcannon, and beef and cabbage.  We shall see!

Skillet Irish Soda Bread | URBAN BAKES

The American style soda breads usually add egg, more butter and sugar, caraway seeds and raisins.  I, on the other hand, wanted a more authentic soda bread dating back to the classic; one that is less sweet and simple.

Simple, it is!  I couldn’t have been more pleased with a bread that rises from baking soda rather than yeast! Which also means almost no kneading involved.  From start to finish within 1 hour, you will have a loaf of bread ready right on your table!

Skillet Irish Soda Bread | URBAN BAKES

If there is ever a time you’re out of bread and need it quick but dread having to get dressed to go to the grocery store, have this recipe as a backup!

Mind you, it will taste different from your common sliced white bread, but this one here is much more heartier and let’s not forget, convenient.  Many, if not all of the ingredients listed, are common pantry items.  No bread machine required either.  It’s that simple!

Once it’s made, wait about 10 minutes to cool, then slather a generous layer of whipped salted butter over a warm slice and it’s perfect on its own and great accompanied with a warm bowl of soup or stew.

Skillet Irish Soda Bread | URBAN BAKES

If you’re looking for a more savory bread, try this Cheesy Irish Beer Bread too!

Skillet Irish Soda Bread | URBAN BAKES

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider giving a star rating. Ratings help others discover my recipes and with the help of your support, it will be greatly appreciated, thank you!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Skillet Irish Soda Bread | URBAN BAKES

Skillet Irish Soda Bread


  • Author: URBAN BAKES
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 inch loaf 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A simple and classic, authentic Irish soda bread, ready in one hour with no kneading involved!  


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (116 grams) cake flour
  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (8 grams) baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (5 grams) cream of tartar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (9 grams) salt
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups (438 grams) buttermilk

 


Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 400°F (205°C).  In a large bowl, whisk both flours, sugar, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt.  Using a pastry blender or a long tined fork, cut in butter until fully incorporated into the flour mixture. 
  2. Add 1 1/2 cups (375 grams) buttermilk into the flour mixture and using the pastry blender or fork, mix the buttermilk into the flour until a dough with large lumps begins to form and there is no dry flour remaining at the bottom of the bowl.  Add 1/4 cup (63 grams) buttermilk to the dough, 1 tablespoon at a time, until all of the flour is moistened.
  3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured counter and pat dough into a 6-inch round. Note: the dough may have large lumps and look shaggy. 
  4. Place dough into a 10-inch cast-iron skillet.  Score deep cross on top of the dough about 5 inches (13 cm) in length and 3/4-inch (2 cm) deep.  
  5. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.  Remove from the oven, slice, slather with salted butter and serve.  ENJOY!


  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Cuisine: Irish

Keywords: Irish soda bread, no knead bread, skillet bread

RECIPE ADAPTED FROM CLASSIC IRISH SODA BREAD FROM P. 34 OF COOK’S ILLUSTRATED BAKING BOOK.

Want an Authentic Irish Brown Soda Bread recipe? Click below.

LATEST POSTS

  • Praline Pumpkin Bread
    Get cozy with the warm scent of Praline Pumpkin Bread. Just sweet enough with a perfect tender crumb and an incredibly nutty crunch of pecans and sweet caramel glaze.
  • Maple Brown Sugar Blondies
    Before these chewy maple brown sugar blondies have finished baking, its rich buttery goodness and immense maple aroma will have you desperately crave a bite!
  • Bourbon Caramel Apple Crisp
    Take a bite into this delightful mix of sweet and tart tender apples beneath an oat crisp that’s baked to perfection. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream and as much of this amazing homemade bourbon caramel sauce your heart desires.
  • Maple Pecan Double Chocolate Banana Bread
    Soft and luscious Chocolate Banana Bread sweetened with pure maple is studded with toasted pecans throughout. For any chocolate banana lover, this is the perfect sweet escape.
  • Italian Cream Cupcakes
    Luscious Italian Cream Cupcakes have an incredible delicate crumb and are capped with sweetened cream cheese frosting. Studded with toasted pecans and shredded coconut throughout allows its creamy and nutty flavors to emerge in every bite.

2 thoughts on “Skillet Irish Soda Bread”

  1. Two things I love are quick recipes and bread, and this one covers both. 🙂 This looks amazing and is a great recipe for a beginning bread maker!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Craving More?

Sign up for Weekly Recipes, Special Offers, Giveaways & More!