Irish Soda Bread with Dates
This simple and delicious Irish Soda Bread with Dates recipe is incredibly easy to make with a soft, dense crumb and tasty crust. It requires no rising time and is fantastic slathered in rich Irish butter.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Aluminum foil (optional) to prevent over-browning of the crust
Ingredients
- 1.75 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp white granulated sugar
- 1 cup chopped dates
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium size mixing bowl add buttermilk and 1 egg (if using). Whisk until well combined and set aside.
- In another mixing bowl add flour, baking soda, salt and sugar and mix until combined. Create a well in the center of the flour and then pour in the buttermilk and egg mixture. Use your hands to gently knead the mixture together until a sticky dough is formed.
- Lay the dough out onto a floured surface and press flat with your hands.Add about half of the chopped dates and gently press into the dough. Then fold into the dough until mixed throughout. Flatten the dough again and repeat the process with the remaining dates.
- Form the dough into a round shape and place on the parchment paper lined baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to carefully score an X into the top.
- Bake at 425 for 40-45 minutes. *You can loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil is the crust begins to look too dark. I typically put foil on about half to ¾ths of the way through.*When the crust is golden brown the center is cooked through you can remove from the oven. Allow the bread to cool for 10-15 minutes on the baking sheet then transfer to a wire rack.
- Serve the bread warm slathered with good quality Irish butter. Enjoy!
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