There’s something utterly comforting about a warm slice of bread fresh from the oven, and this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe is my go-to when I want something quick, tender, and just a little sweet. Trust me, adding chocolate chips to traditional Irish soda bread takes it to a whole new delicious level.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t resist the combination of easy prep, no-yeast magic, and that hint of sweetness from chocolate chips in this Irish soda bread. It’s a crowd-pleaser and honestly, perfect for both breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack.
- No yeast required: This bread comes together fast with baking soda and powder, no waiting around for dough to rise.
- Simple pantry ingredients: You probably have everything in your kitchen already.
- Quick bake time: Just 45 minutes in the oven produces a golden crust and tender crumb.
- Chocolate chip twist: A delightful little surprise that makes this soda bread extra special.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before you dive in, here’s a quick tip on ingredients: quality all-purpose flour and fresh buttermilk will make a noticeable difference in texture and flavor. And of course, use good-quality chocolate chips for that perfect melt and sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness for the loaf.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that balances the slight tang of buttermilk.
- Baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to give the bread a nice lift without yeast.
- Baking soda: Reacts with buttermilk’s acidity to help the bread rise and create a tender crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Chocolate chips: The star of the show – melty pockets of chocolate that make this soda bread irresistible.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, activating the leavening agents.
- Eggs: Help bind the dough and add richness.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Infuses a buttery flavor and tender texture.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to add a twist for the seasons or tweak it for dietary needs, this recipe is a wonderful starting point for creativity in the kitchen.
- Chocolate Chip & Nuts Variation: I love stirring in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet chips.
- Gluten-Free Version: Try swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure to check the mix for xanthan gum or add a teaspoon to help the bread hold together since it doesn’t rely on yeast.
- Seasonal Spices: Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or mixed warm spices like nutmeg and cloves gives this bread a cozy vibe, perfect for chilly mornings.
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace eggs and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives such as flax eggs and almond milk with a splash of vinegar. You might want to add a bit more baking powder to ensure rise.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Skillet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet with cooking spray, which helps create that signature golden, rustic crust. Setting this up early ensures the skillet is ready to go as soon as your dough is shaped.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Then, fold in the chocolate chips so they’re evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. This ensures every slice has a lovely mix of melt-in-your-mouth chips.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth and combined. The buttermilk adds a subtle tang and tenderness to the bread, while the eggs give it a richer texture that pairs well with those sweet chocolate chips.
Step 4: Combine and Gently Knead the Dough
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms. Dust your hands with a bit of flour and knead the dough gently, either inside the bowl if it’s roomy enough or on a floured surface. The goal here is just to bring the dough together into a rough ball—avoid over-kneading to keep the bread tender and soft.
Step 5: Shape and Score Your Dough
Transfer the dough ball to the prepared skillet. Use a sharp knife to score an X or a couple of steady, inch-deep lines on the top. This simple step helps the bread bake evenly, ensuring the center cooks through beautifully without getting doughy.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns a warm golden brown and it sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. The aroma of baked chocolate and warm bread is a reliable kitchen signal that your loaf is good to go.
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing and Enjoying
Let the bread cool for a few minutes right in the skillet, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the crumb set nicely, making slicing easier and preventing it from turning gummy. Serve warm or at room temperature—spread with butter or jam if you like.
Top Tip
Making a perfect Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe is all about balance and a gentle hand. These tips will help you achieve a tender, flavorful loaf with a golden crust every time.
- Knead Gently: From my experience, kneading the dough just enough to bring it together prevents the bread from becoming tough. Over-kneading is the number one mistake to avoid!
- Proper Scoring: Scoring the dough with a deep X or lines before baking really helps the heat reach the center, making sure your bread cooks evenly and has that classic rustic look.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: Baking in a 12-inch cast iron skillet gives the bread a beautiful crust and helps trap heat, but if you don't have one, a baking sheet works just fine.
- Adjust Flour as Needed: If your dough feels sticky or too wet, don’t hesitate to add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it just holds together — this small adjustment makes all the difference!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread shines on its own, but a light spread of creamy butter or a dollop of your favorite jam—like raspberry or orange marmalade—takes it to the next level. For extra indulgence, try a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
Side Dishes
Serve slices alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea. Pair it with a simple fruit salad for a fresh contrast, or whisk up some scrambled eggs or a vegetable frittata for a heartier breakfast spread. For an Irish-inspired brunch, add some smoked salmon or cheddar cheese — the flavors are a delightful match!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored this way, it stays wonderfully soft for 3 to 4 days without drying out.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then again in foil or an airtight freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. It will keep its lovely flavor and texture for up to 3 months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw the bread at room temperature. Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until warm. A quick toast brings back the crispy crust, making it taste just-baked!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Buttermilk’s acidity is important to react with the baking soda and help the bread rise properly. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1¾ cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Scoring helps the bread cook evenly by allowing heat to penetrate the thick center. It also creates that distinctive rustic look and prevents large cracks from forming randomly.
Absolutely! Feel free to switch out chocolate chips for chopped nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries. Just keep the quantity about the same so it doesn’t affect the dough texture.
No worries! You can bake the bread on a regular baking sheet. Just grease it well and keep the same baking time and temperature. The crust might be a bit less crisp, but it will still taste delicious.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe is a joyful experience that marries simplicity and comfort. With pantry staples and no yeast fuss, you get a tender, slightly sweet loaf perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones over coffee or slicing it up for a quiet snack, this bread brings a little warmth and a smile. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do!
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Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Irish Soda Bread recipe features a slightly sweet, tender loaf with chocolate chips, perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack. Made with simple pantry ingredients including flour, sugar, buttermilk, and eggs, this bread requires no yeast and bakes quickly in a skillet for a rustic, golden crust.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare skillet. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Combine wet ingredients. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter together until well combined.
- Form the dough. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. Dust your hands with flour and knead the dough gently, either inside the bowl or on a floured surface, just until you can form a rough ball. Avoid over-kneading to keep the bread tender.
- Shape and score the dough. Place the dough into the greased skillet and score the top with an X or a few lines about an inch deep. This helps the bread cook evenly and allows the center to bake properly.
- Bake the bread. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and serve. Let the bread cool in the skillet for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature with butter or jam if desired.
Notes
- If the dough feels too wet and sticky, add a little more flour one tablespoon at a time until it just comes together into a ball.
- Do not over-knead the dough; knead just until combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Store leftover soda bread tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days to prevent drying out. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can bake the bread on a regular baking sheet instead.
- This bread is delicious when served with coffee or tea, optionally with a splash of Irish cream for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about ⅛ of loaf)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
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