This hearty irish soda bread is unbelievably soft and tender inside and chock-full of raisins and cinnamon. Enjoy slices warm from the oven, slathered with a tangy orange cream cheese.
It is now March 2nd. Do you know what that means? In foodie terms, this means that it is now time for that yearly face-shoveling-of-all-the-irish-soda-bread.
I mean, it’s so traditional. And I really cannot control that insanity either, so there you go.
Not just any bread though. I know that there are about a million ways you can make Irish soda bread now’adays, but that classic, no-frills stuff? It never gets old.
Lite-rally. This bread will never get old because it will never last long enough to see another day.
Not with me around. Just no. Sorry.
This bread right here is just the classic, golden stuff, you guys. I adapted the recipe straight from America’s Test Kitchen which has become pretty much just my cooking bible. I don’t even think you WANT to know the number of cookbooks and magazines from ATK and Cooks Illustrated I’ve somehow managed to collect in the past few years…
I’d hazard to guess I’m getting preeeeetty close to the #500 mark. YIKES. Where the heck am I gonna put all those books when I actually move into a place of my own? Right now they’re currently taking up space oh, kinda everywhere.
FYI: Mothers do not tend to like the habits of a cookbook hoarder. Mine doesn’t anyway.
My mom even says that I’m a clutter-bug. Uh, what does that even mean?!
The life of a cookbook hoarder, I tell ‘ya. It’s a rough one. Nobody understands.
Now that I’m done exposing myself for the weirdo I truly am, let’s talk Irish.
Not actual Irish, because I don’t speak Irish at all. I just speak the love language of Irish soda bread and that’s pretty much it.
It is a love language though, guys and I’ve heard that very few can speak it. I happen to be fluent in both the speaking part and the eating part.
Especially the eating part….
This bread really just is pure Irish perfection, guys. It’s everything a good Irish soda bread should be. Golden and crusty on the outside. Super-soft and flaky on the inside and loaded with plump raisins.
Which, FYI are my favorite part. You know it.
Okay, maybe my second favorite part. I mean, raisins just can’t compete with the pure delight of an orange cream cheese lovingly spread into every nook and cranny of a warm-from-the-oven slice of this bread.
They can sure as heck try though. I will be more than happy to test this theory by eating ALL of this bread with extra-slathers of the cream cheese.
But first I’ve gotta put my extra-large pot of coffee on. Because if you’re gonna go to the trouble of baking up homemade Irish soda bread, you MUST have freshly-brewed coffee very close by.
In my coffee-addicted opinion, you should ALWAYS have brewed coffee no further than 5 inches away, but you get it.
You’re speaking my love language now. Kiss me, I’m Irish. ♥
I actually don’t even know what that means, but it hey, it sounded cool.
Let’s just eat now and speak later.
Rustic Irish Soda Bread with Orange Cream Cheese
This recipe may included paid links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- BREAD:
- 2-1/2 cups white whole wheat flour
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1-1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1-1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds optional
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ORANGE CREAM CHEESE:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine flours, sugar, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and cinnamon. Using hands, gently work in softened butter until crumbly. Stir in buttermilk, beaten egg, raisins, and caraway seeds if using until mixture forms a shaggy dough.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and very gently knead a few times to form dough into a 7-in round. (dough should be about 1-in thick) Using a sharp knife, cut a deep X in top of round.
- Bake Irish soda bread at 400F 40-45 minutes or until bread is a deep golden brown. Remove bread from oven and gently brush with butter. Cool 15 minutes on a wire cooling rack before slicing.
- Make the cream cheese: In a small bowl, beat together all ingredients until creamy. Serve cream cheese with warm slices of Irish soda bread.
Notes
More Irish soda bread fun from other bloggers!
Apricot Orange Irish Soda Bread — Flavor The Moments
Irish Buttermilk Brown Bread — Yummy Healthy Easy
Garlic and Herb Irish Soda Bread — Crunchy Creamy Sweet
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
America’s Test Kitchen really does have the best recipes. They turn out perfect EVERY TIME! I just wish they’re magazine was a little prettier. I’m not a huge fan of the hand drawn illustrations. I want to see pictures people! I love this irish soda bread, especially that orange cream cheese. Yum!
Sarah says
Right?! Their recipes are the best, but they really need to hire on some good food photographers! Maybe you and I should apply for the job?! LOL.
Rachael | Spache the Spatula says
Oh my gosh, this seriously does look like perfect Irish Soda Bread! I may have to make it for St. Paddy’s, this year! Orange cream cheese sounds FANTASTIC on this!
Sarah says
Thanks Rachael! This bread is definitely happening on St. Patricks day around here!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
I’ve always wanted to bake irish soda bread! but never have! this is great for St. Patty’s day!! and love the orange cream cheese!!!!
Sarah says
You definitely need to give soda bread a try this year, Alice! You will LOVE it. 🙂
mira says
I’ve wanted to try and make an Irish soda bread for a very long time! This one looks just perfect! And paired with orange cream cheese – wonderful idea! Pinned!
Sarah says
You so need to try it, Mira! 😉 Thanks for pinning, friend!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Yum, this bread looks delicious, gorgeous lighting and photos, Sarah! I am dying for spring to arrive so I don’t have to settle for cloudy wintery days for my photos. Anyway, get the coffee going because I’m coming over for some Irish soda bread! 🙂
Sarah says
Haha! It’s funny that you say that about the photos, because I actually wasn’t really lovin’ them too much. THANK YOU though, friend! You’re too sweet. 🙂
Olivia - Primavera Kitchen says
I’ve never baked irish soda bread before! You’ve inspired me to try it! Looks very delicious, Sarah. Thanks for sharing 😉
Sarah says
You so need to try irish soda bread, Olivia!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
I’ve never tried a soda bread before and I’ve only ever seen savoury versions.. so I love your sweet take Sarah. Looks pretty good – and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for a slice with some melted butter right now!
Sarah says
Thanks so much Thaila!!
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
I’ve never made soda bread, but girl, you’ve convinced me I need to try. And I love the flavors!
Sarah says
Thanks Kristi! You’ve gotta try this bread, girl. 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
This bread looks gorgeous, Sarah! I can’t believe that I’ve never made this before. I totally need to change that after seeing your delicious recipe! And that orange cream cheese sounds amazing slathered on top! Wish I had that for breakfast right about now!
Sarah says
Thanks Gayle! This bread has your name written aaaaall over it, girl! 🙂
Joanne says
I think I’ve only had totally mediocre Irish soda bread, which is just SAD. Obviously I need to get on the Sarah/ATK method bandwagon…because this looks dang good! (PS – fellow cookbook hoarder here…maybe we should form a support group?)
Sarah says
You NEED to give irish soda bread another chance, Joanne! I should seriously send you a loaf—I need it outta the house! LOL. 😉
Sarah @ The Gold Lining Girl says
I totally relate to your cookbook hoarding. Guilty!!! I spent 3 hours reorganizing them all this past weekend. Lol! And what’s scary is that I found it super fun!!! Frightening, right? I’ve actually never made Irish Soda Bread, but it’s definitely on the list! The orange cream cheese frosting really seals the deal for me!
Sarah says
Haha! Food blogger problems I tell ‘ya….LOL. Thanks Sarah!!
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating says
Wow, this bread is picture perfect! I’d love a slice of this for breakfast!
Sarah says
Thanks Kelly! I wish I could send you some through my screen!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Love ATK and this seriously does look like the perfect Irish soda bread! I’ve never tried making it before and I can’t want to try yours 🙂 Love the orange cream cheese frosting!
Sarah says
Thanks Kelly! You need this bread in your life asap!
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
This soda bread looks delicious Sarah! Love the orange cream cheese with it! Pinned!
Sarah says
Thanks for pinning, Stacey!!
marcie says
I keep buying more and more cookbooks and there’s no slowing me down. Until I run out of space, that is. 🙂 I’m a soda bread fanatic, and this sounds so great with that orange cream cheese! I’ll bet it’s a bit lighter with that cake flour, too. Gonna have to try that! 🙂
Sarah says
Haha! Right?! One can never have too many cookbooks. Or soda bread either! 😉 Thanks Marcie!
Annie @Maebells says
How delicious!! I have never tried baking a bread like this, but I am definitely missing out! I love that you added raisins too!
Sarah says
Thanks Annie!!