Styles of Soda Bread

Though regions offer some variance on recipes, the classic Irish-style soda bread is made simply with flour–often a combination of white and whole-wheat—buttermilk, and baking soda for lift. It’s the baking soda that gives the exterior of this bread it’s brown color, and somewhat distinctive flavor.

These cakey versions of soda bread are often studded with sweet currants or raisins, chopped toasted walnuts or caraway, and baking spices. The crumb is somewhat softer than the rustic Irish-style, and the taste is much sweeter.