There’s something so comforting about a warm slice of homemade bread fresh from the oven. This Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe strikes the perfect balance between tender, slightly sweet, and rustic — all without the fuss of yeast. Let me show you how easy it is to whip up this cozy, chocolate-studded treat in no time!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I absolutely adore this Irish soda bread with chocolate chips because it’s quick to mix, forgiving to make, and tastes like a warm hug on your plate. Whether it’s for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a casual tea time treat, it always hits the spot!
- Quick and Yeast-Free: No need to wait around for dough to rise — this bread comes together fast.
- Rustic and Tender Texture: Thanks to buttermilk and gentle kneading, it’s delightfully soft inside with a nice crust.
- Chocolatey Twist: Chocolate chips add a subtle sweetness that makes this classic bread extra special.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples you probably already have — plus a cast iron skillet to bake in.
Ingredients & Why They Work
When I shop for ingredients for this Irish soda bread, I always look for good-quality staples that make the bread sing. A smooth all-purpose flour and rich buttermilk are essential for that tender, moist crumb. Here’s a bit about why each part is important:
- All-purpose Flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure with a tender crumb when properly balanced.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness without overpowering the bread’s rustic nature.
- Baking Powder: Helps give the bread a gentle, even rise since this recipe skips yeast.
- Baking Soda: Reacts with the buttermilk for lift and a tender texture.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness from both sugar and chocolate chips.
- Chocolate Chips: Little pockets of sweetness that melt slightly into the bread, making each bite delightful.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture, flavor, and reacts with the baking soda to leaven the bread.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness for a soft crumb.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Introduces tenderness and contributes to the bread’s moist, flavorful bite.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks. Whether you're craving a twist on flavor or accommodating dietary preferences, this bread welcomes all kinds of creativity.
- Walnut or pecan crunch: Adding a half cup of chopped nuts along with the chocolate chips gave my bread a lovely texture contrast and a nutty aroma that made breakfast extra special.
- Gluten-free option: I've experimented by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. While the crumb is a bit different, the bread still comes out tender and tasty.
- Seasonal zest: For a citrusy touch, adding a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest brightened up the chocolate chips beautifully, perfect for a spring or holiday brunch.
- Dairy-free adjustments: Using a plant-based buttermilk alternative and vegan butter works well if you need to avoid dairy but want to keep the spirit of the recipe alive.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Step 1: Setting the stage with warmth
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This moderate temperature is key to getting that golden crust without drying out the soft inside. While the oven warms up, grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet with cooking spray — I love using cast iron because it distributes heat so evenly, baking the bread perfectly every time.
Step 2: Mixing the dry magic
In a large bowl, whisk together 3½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. This combination ensures your bread rises nicely and has just the right touch of sweetness. Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips evenly to sprinkle pockets of delight throughout the bread.
Step 3: Bringing the wet ingredients together
In a smaller bowl, whisk 1¾ cups of buttermilk with 2 large eggs and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until the mixture looks smooth and creamy. The buttermilk’s acidity reacts with the baking soda to give the bread its tender crumb and subtle tang.
Step 4: Gently forming your dough
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. Dust your hands lightly with flour and gently knead the dough—either in the bowl or on a floured surface—just until it forms a rough ball. Remember, the secret here is not to over knead; you want that tender crumb, so stop as soon as the dough holds together.
Step 5: Baking prep and scoring
Transfer the dough ball into your greased skillet. Using a sharp knife, score the top with an X or a few lines about an inch deep. This isn't just decorative—it helps the heat penetrate evenly so the center cooks perfectly without turning doughy.
Step 6: The wait and the reward
Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to one hour. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is beautifully golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. The aroma of chocolate and warm bread filling your kitchen is one of my favorite sensory moments during this recipe.
Step 7: Cooling and enjoying
Let the bread rest in the skillet for a few minutes after baking—this helps it set and makes slicing easier. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve your Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread warm or at room temperature with butter or jam, and enjoy every soft, chocolate-studded bite!
Top Tip
Making the perfect loaf of Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread is easier than you think, especially when you have a few insider tips that make all the difference. These little tricks come from my own kitchen adventures, and they’ll help you achieve tender, perfectly baked bread every time.
- Gentle Kneading: I always remind myself not to over knead the dough. Just enough to bring it together into a rough ball keeps the crumb wonderfully tender, which is exactly what you want in your soda bread.
- Flour Your Hands: Dusting your hands lightly with flour before shaping the dough saved me from a sticky, messy situation many times. It makes handling the dough so much smoother!
- Score the Top: Scoring an X or shallow lines about an inch deep isn’t just for looks. It ensures the bread bakes evenly, reaching the center perfectly without dried-out edges.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: Baking the bread in a pre-greased 12-inch cast iron skillet gave my loaf a beautifully rustic crust. If you don’t have one, try a baking sheet – but the skillet is my favorite go-to.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is already a little sweet, thanks to those melty chocolate chips, so simple garnishes work best. Try spreading some creamy butter, honey, or your favorite jam for an extra touch. A dusting of powdered sugar can also make it feel a bit festive for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea—especially if you add a splash of Irish cream for that authentic Irish vibe. For a heartier treat, serve it alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or a light yogurt parfait for breakfast or brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your loaf is baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist. At room temperature, it will stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days. This way, you can enjoy that homely flavor for almost a whole week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Slice the bread first, then wrap each piece individually or wrap the whole loaf tightly in plastic and foil. It freezes well for up to 3 months—perfect for those busy mornings or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, simply reheat slices in a toaster or warm them gently in the oven at 300°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. This revives the soft crumb and melty chocolate chips beautifully, making each bite feel freshly baked.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1¾ cups of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This mimics the acidity and texture of buttermilk, helping the bread rise perfectly.
Absolutely! Feel free to use semi-sweet, dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Each will add a unique flavor twist to the bread.
Yes, if you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a regular baking sheet works just fine. Just be sure to grease it well and shape the dough into a free-form round before baking.
The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also insert a toothpick or skewer in the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about baking a loaf of homemade bread, especially one as charmingly rustic and sweet as this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe. It’s quick, simple, and inviting—a perfect reminder that enjoying good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment with a warm drink, I hope this recipe brings a bit of joy and warmth to your kitchen.
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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: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Irish Soda Bread recipe features a tender, slightly sweet bread studded with chocolate chips, made quickly without yeast. With a simple mix of buttermilk, flour, and leavening agents baked in a skillet, it delivers a rustic homemade treat perfect for breakfast or tea time.
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 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet with cooking spray and set aside to prepare the dough.
- 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 evenly through the mixture.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until well blended.
- Form the dough: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and combine using a wooden spoon. Dust your hands with flour and gently knead the dough either in the bowl or on a floured surface until it forms a rough ball. Avoid over kneading to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare for baking: Place the dough ball into the greased skillet. Using a knife, score the top with an X or a few shallow lines about an inch deep to allow even baking of the center.
- Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to one hour, until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Let the bread cool for a few minutes in the skillet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature with butter or jam as desired.
Notes
- If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour gradually until it just comes together into a ball, but do not over knead.
- Store Irish soda bread tightly wrapped at room temperature or in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Do not over knead the dough to maintain a tender crumb.
- If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a regular baking sheet can be used instead for baking.
- This slightly sweet bread pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, especially with a splash of Irish cream for an authentic Irish experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately ⅛ of loaf)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
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