Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread (Printable)

Tender whole wheat Irish bread with raisins and buttermilk, ideal for breakfast or snacks.

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups whole wheat flour
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

→ Add-ins

06 - 1 cup raisins

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
03 - Add raisins and toss to coat them in the flour mixture.
04 - In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk and melted butter.
05 - Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
06 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently just until it comes together (about 30 seconds); do not overwork.
07 - Shape into a round loaf (about 7 inches in diameter) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
08 - Using a sharp knife, cut a deep X across the top of the loaf. Brush the top with a little extra melted butter.
09 - Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10 - Cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The magic happens in minutes, no waiting for dough to rise or proving bowls to clean
  • That signature X on top creates a heartwarming connection to generations of Irish bakers
  • Whole wheat gives it nutty depth while buttermilk keeps every bite tender and moist
02 -
  • Overworking the dough makes it tough, so stop kneading as soon as it holds together
  • The X is not just tradition, it helps the heat penetrate the center and ensures even baking
  • Soda bread dries out faster than yeast breads, so store it wrapped or freeze what you will not eat within two days
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly and prevent the butter from hardening in cold spots
  • Trust your nose more than the timer, when it smells deeply toasted, it is probably done

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