Name: Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 3/4 cups buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

If you're craving a bread that's rustic, a little sweet, and studded with delightful pockets of melting chocolate, I've got the perfect treat for you: a Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe. It's quick to make, comforting, and just the right mix of tender crumb and crusty exterior.

A round loaf of bread with a cracked golden brown crust sits inside a black cast iron pan, showing a rough and slightly fluffy texture on top. Dark raisins are scattered across the surface, peeking through the crust in several places, adding small dark spots to the warm tan color of the bread. The background shows blurred bowls with spices, all resting on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the rough texture and color contrasts on the bread, giving it a fresh and rustic look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe quickly became one of my favorites because it brings the warmth of traditional Irish soda bread together with the fun twist of chocolate chips. Get ready for a cozy kitchen moment and a loaf that’s hard to resist at any time of day.

Simple Ingredients: No fancy pantry items required—just staples you likely already have on hand.
Quick to Prep: From start to finish, you’re looking at under an hour before that irresistible aroma fills your kitchen.
Perfect Texture: Tender crumb inside with a beautifully crisp crust that’s made even better in a cast iron skillet.
Chocolatey Surprise: Sweet chocolate chips add a delightful twist that pairs wonderfully with butter or jam.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread recipe, focus on good quality staples. Using fresh baking powder and baking soda ensures the bread rises perfectly, while quality chocolate chips melt beautifully throughout the loaf. Buttermilk adds that gentle tang and tender crumb we love in this quick bread.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl with baking powder, a small white bowl with baking soda, a small white bowl with coarse salt, a small white bowl filled with dark chocolate chips, a small white bowl of creamy buttermilk, a small white bowl holding melted butter, two large whole brown eggs arranged side by side, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The backbone of this bread, providing structure but still keeping it tender when combined with the right technique.
Granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to complement the chocolate without overpowering the bread’s traditional flavor.
Baking powder: Helps give the bread lift and a light texture while working alongside baking soda for perfect rise.
Baking soda: Essential for that classic Irish soda bread rise and crumb, reacts with the buttermilk for lift.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the chocolate chips.
Chocolate chips: My favorite twist—these pockets of melty chocolate add richness and a little indulgence.
Buttermilk: Brings moisture, slight acidity, and tenderness to the bread, reacting perfectly with the soda.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness for a soft crumb.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds depth of flavor and helps keep the crumb tender and moist.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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're in the mood to swap up flavors or cater to dietary needs, this recipe welcomes creativity without fuss.

Chocolate Chip + Nuts: I love adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips for an extra crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
Gluten-Free Twist: For friends who prefer gluten-free baking, you can try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just note the texture will be a bit different but still deeply comforting.
Seasonal Spice: Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg turns this bread into a cozy seasonal treat that feels perfect during chilly months or holidays.
Swirl of Jam: Before baking, try gently swirling some raspberry or strawberry jam into the dough for little pockets of fruity delight that surprise your taste buds.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the buttermilk with a mixture of almond milk and a teaspoon of lemon juice to keep it moist and tender for dairy-sensitive folks.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe

The image shows a wooden board with four slices of fruit bread lying flat. Each slice is light yellowish inside with many small dark brown spots of dried fruit scattered evenly. Three slices are in the center, slightly overlapping each other, showing a soft and porous texture, while the fourth slice is on the left with a thin layer of pale yellow butter spread on top. To the right, a large piece of the whole bread loaf with a golden-brown crust and some lighter flour dusting is placed. In the top right corner of the board, there is a small white scalloped bowl filled with pale yellow butter. A butter knife with some butter on its blade rests on the lower-left part of the board. The board is placed on a white marbled surface with a dark textured cloth partially visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Skillet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this steady temperature helps the bread cook evenly with that perfect golden crust. Lightly grease your 12-inch cast iron skillet with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside while you mix your ingredients. The cast iron is key for the rustic texture and even heat distribution that Irish soda bread is famous for.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt until well combined. Then, stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips to distribute them evenly. This mix of leaveners ensures your bread gets just the right rise and tenderness.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients Until Smooth

In a smaller bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until completely combined. The buttermilk adds a lovely tang and helps create that tender crumb, while the eggs and butter contribute richness.

Step 4: Combine and Gently Knead the Dough

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix with a wooden spoon just until everything comes together. Dust your hands lightly with flour and gently knead the dough either in the bowl or on a floured surface to form a rough ball. Be careful not to over knead – just enough so it holds together. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour gradually.

Step 5: Shape the Dough and Score the Top

Transfer the dough to your prepared skillet and pat it into a round loaf shape. Using a sharp knife, score an “X” or a few deep lines about one inch into the top of the dough. This helps the heat penetrate evenly and gives your bread its classic rustic look. Plus, it’s a satisfying step that feels very authentic!

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Done

Place the skillet in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden crust and that tell-tale toothpick test—insert a toothpick in the center and it should come out clean. The aroma at this point is heavenly, with the chocolate gently melting into the lightly sweetened bread.

Step 7: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy!

Let the bread sit in the skillet for a few minutes to firm up before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This rest helps the crumb set perfectly. Slice it warm or at room temperature and enjoy with some butter or your favorite jam. It’s wonderful with a cup of coffee or tea—my personal favorite pairing!

Top Tip

These tips will help ensure your Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe turns out perfectly tender, golden, and full of delightful chocolatey goodness every time.

Don’t Over Knead: I learned that gentle kneading is key. Overworking the dough makes the bread tough rather than tender, so just knead until it forms a rough ball.
Watch the Dough Consistency: If your dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour bit by bit. It should be soft but manageable, making shaping easier.
Score the Top Well: Scoring an X or lines about one inch deep on top really helps the bread cook evenly and creates that classic rustic look.
Use a Cast Iron Skillet: I always use a 12-inch cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and a nice crust. But if you don’t have one, a baking sheet will work in a pinch.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe

The image shows a collage of four steps in making cookie dough, each in a clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface. The first bowl is filled with dry ingredients: light beige flour mixed with tiny dark chocolate chips. The second bowl contains a bright yellow, frothy liquid mixture, likely eggs and butter. The third bowl has this yellow liquid mixed with some white powder on top, showing the start of combining wet and dry ingredients. Finally, the fourth bowl displays thick, creamy cookie dough with chocolate chips evenly spread inside, and a wooden spoon stirring it from the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch, top warm slices with a pat of butter or a smear of your favorite jam—something like raspberry or strawberry complements the sweetness beautifully. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar also adds a nice flair.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, especially with a splash of Irish cream for a cozy treat. You can also serve it alongside hearty breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, or fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Irish soda bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored this way, it will stay delicious for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 months—perfect for prepping ahead or saving leftovers.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen bread, thaw it at room temperature. Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for a minute or so to bring back that fresh-baked softness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk in this recipe?

Yes, but to mimic buttermilk's acidity, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 ¾ cups of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Why is it important not to over knead the dough?

Over kneading develops too much gluten, making the bread dense and chewy instead of tender and soft, which is not ideal for this quick bread.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit instead of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries make delicious alternatives or additions. Just substitute the same amount as the chocolate chips.

What can I use if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

A regular baking sheet will do just fine. Just shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the sheet before scoring and baking.

Final Thoughts

Making this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy hug—simple ingredients come together quickly to create something truly special. Whether it’s for a leisurely breakfast or a comforting snack, each bite brings a little slice of Ireland with a sweet twist. I hope this loaf brings warmth and joy to your kitchen as it has to mine!