With St Patrick’s Day coming up, I thought it would be nice to share a fruit soda bread recipe. This style is quite popular in the States, where they often enrich it further with eggs and butter.
For me, the texture of the bread is perfect the way I do it. As I mention in the video, the less you add, the closer it will be to an authentic Irish Soda Bread in both structure and taste. But feel free to play around with it to suit your own tastebuds!
Chris’s Fruit Soda Bread
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Metric | Imperial / US Cups (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Flour | 450g | 3 3/4 cups |
| Bicarbonate of Soda | 3/4 tsp | 3/4 tsp |
| Salt | 3/4 tsp | 3/4 tsp |
| Dried Fruit | 150g | 3/4 cup |
| Buttermilk (approx.) | 400ml | 1 3/4 cups |
Note: Flours hydrate differently, so add more or use less buttermilk if needed.
You need an acid to activate the bicarbonate of soda, so if you can’t get buttermilk, add about 2 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar to 400ml of regular milk. Stir and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Natural or Greek yoghurt is another option; just thin it out with a drop of water or milk first.
Method
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) conventional or 180°C (356°F) fan.
Mix the plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt, and dried fruit in a large bowl. Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing until you get a soft dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Score a cross on top with a sharp knife.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the base.
Once baked, I like to wrap the bread in a tea towel to soften the crust a little. Some say the cloth should be damp, but I find the steam from the bread is enough to achieve this.
Enjoy your fruit soda bread fresh, or serve it alongside a hearty meal like a traditional Irish stew recipe or Guinness Shepherd’s Pie.
Have a great St Patrick’s Day 2024 everyone!
All the best,
Chris – Your Irish Baker Abroad
How to Store Chris’s Fruit Soda Bread
Store your soda bread in a cool, dry place wrapped in a clean tea towel or paper bag. This helps keep the crust crisp while preventing the bread from drying out. It is best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Can You Freeze Chris’s Fruit Soda Bread?
Yes, you can freeze soda bread. Slice the bread before freezing so you can defrost individual portions as needed. Wrap the slices tightly in cling film and place them in an airtight freezer bag. Defrost at room temperature or toast slices directly from frozen for a quick treat.
Common Troubleshooting: Why Is My Soda Bread Dense?
Dense soda bread is usually caused by overmixing the dough or not using enough acid to activate the bicarbonate of soda. Mix the dough gently until just combined, and ensure your buttermilk or acid substitute is fresh and sufficient. Also, check your bicarbonate of soda is not expired, as this affects the rise.
Experience Authentic Irish Food in Person
Learn to bake authentic Irish scones and bread in a local home in Galway. This is a wonderful way to connect with Irish food culture and bring a real skill home with you.
Book: Traditional Irish Homemade Baking Scones and Bread class in Galway
For more delicious Irish baking inspiration, check out our Irish soda bread recipe and the classic Chris’s Traditional Irish Soda Bread. If you love scones, don’t miss the Irish Soda Scones or the raisin scones recipe from the Irish Baker Abroad.
To complete your Irish culinary experience, explore hearty dishes like traditional Irish stew or try the Guinness Shepherd’s Pie. For a sweet finish, our Guinness Chocolate Brownies are a must-try.
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