Saint Patrick's day is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate than a fresh, warm, homemade loaf of Irish Soda Bread!
My mom used to make it every year and I just recently stumbled upon her old recipe... well, a recipe that she got from a family friend of ours (I only just recently found out that it wasn't actually her recipe LOL so credit where credit is due). I figured I'd revamp the tradition this year so I put on my apron and got to work.
I made one loaf the traditional way and then I made a second loaf, dairy-free (I completely gave up dairy for lent this year). I used raisins for the traditional loaf and chocolate chips for the dairy-free loaf (Don't worry, I found dairy-free chips). This recipe would also taste great without any add-ins.
I'm so excited for you to embrace your Irish spirit and enjoy some soda bread!
INGREDIENTS (Traditional)
3 cups of flour
1 cup of raisins/chocolate chips (optional)
1 1/2 tsp. of baking powder
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 tsp. of baking soda
1 tsp. of salt
1 egg
2 cups of buttermilk
INGREDIENTS (Dairy-Free)
3 cups of flour
1 cup of raisins/chocolate chips (optional)
1 1/2 tsp. of baking powder
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 tsp. of baking soda
1 tsp. of salt
1 egg
2 cups of nut milk
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
RECIPE
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Grease a 9" bread pan (you can use butter, pam, ghee, olive oil, almost anything - I personally used a touch of avocado oil)
Mix dry ingredients in a bowl (flour, raisins/chocolate chips, baking powder, sugar, baking soda and salt)
In a separate, small bowl, beat the egg with 1 cup of buttermilk (If doing dairy-free recipe, beat the egg with 1 cup of nut milk and the lemon)
Add the egg mix to the dry ingredients and stir until combined
Add the other cup of buttermilk (or nut milk) to the mix
Mix well with a wooden spoon and then transfer the mixture to the 9" bread pan. If the mixture is thick enough, cut a cross into the top with a knife (if it's not, don't fret, it will still come out delicious)
Bake for 1 hour. Check to see if done with a toothpick. If not done, leave for another 10 mins - no more.
Enjoy!
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I hope you have fun and enjoy this delicious, festive treat!
Sending love always,
J.S.