Stephanie Jaworski of Joyofbaking.com demonstrates how to make classic Irish Soda Scones. These scones are baked in a hot oven, producing a hard and crusty outer crust while keeping a nice tender crumb inside. Irish Soda Scones are a delicious traditional treat that pairs wonderfully with Irish butter and tea.
Irish Soda Scones
If you love Irish butter, you will also appreciate the taste of Irish soda bread. Why not try making an Irish Soda Bread today to enjoy with your scones?
Recipe: Perfect Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Plain white flour | 250g | 2 cups |
| Plain wholemeal flour | 250g | 2 cups |
| Porridge oats | 100g | 1 cup |
| Bicarbonate of soda | 1 tsp | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 1 tsp |
| Butter, cut in pieces | 25g | 2 tbsp |
| Buttermilk | 500ml | 2 cups |
Method
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- Preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6/fan 180C and dust a baking sheet with flour. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl, then rub in the butter. Pour in the buttermilk and mix quickly with a table knife, then bring the dough together very lightly with your fingertips (handle it very, very gently). Shape it into a flat, round loaf measuring 20cm/8in in diameter.
- Place the loaf on the baking sheet and score a deep cross on top. (Traditionally, this lets the fairies out, but it also helps the bread to cook through.) Bake for 30-35 minutes until the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. If not ready, turn it upside down on the baking sheet and bake for a few more minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack, cover with a clean tea towel (to keep the crust soft) and leave to cool. To serve, break into quarters, then break or cut each quarter in half to make 8 wedges or slices – or simply slice across. Eat very fresh for the best flavour and texture.
How to Store Irish Soda Bread
Store your Irish soda bread wrapped in a clean tea towel or in a bread box at room temperature for up to two days. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the bread quickly. For longer storage, see the freezing tips below.
Can You Freeze Irish Soda Bread?
Yes, Irish soda bread freezes very well. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in cling film and place it in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to three months. To defrost, leave at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.
Why Is My Irish Soda Bread Too Dense?
If your soda bread turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing the dough or using expired bicarbonate of soda. Mix the dough lightly and check your raising agents are fresh. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated for the best rise and crust.
For more traditional Irish baking inspiration, check out raisin scones recipe and Chris’s Traditional Irish Soda Bread. To explore more hearty Irish dishes, try the traditional Irish stew recipe or the classic Dublin Coddle recipe.
Discover more about traditional Irish cooking and comfort foods like 8 Irish comfort foods that taste like home.
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
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