Name: Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 3½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1¾ cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

If you've ever wanted a quick, no-fuss bread that feels a bit special, this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It’s got that classic Irish charm, a tender crumb, and a little chocolatey surprise in each bite—perfect for lazy weekend mornings or cozy afternoons.

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

Honestly, I fell in love with this recipe the first time I baked it. It’s super simple, requires no waiting for dough to rise, and the chocolate chips add a fun twist that makes it feel indulgent without being complicated.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, no yeast or rising time needed.
Deliciously Moist: Buttermilk keeps the bread tender and flavorful.
Chocolate Chip Surprise: Sweet little pockets of chocolate balance perfectly with the rustic bread.
Rustic and Beautiful: Baked in a skillet with a golden crust that’s great for elevating any breakfast or snack.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, a quick heads-up on the ingredients: it’s a simple list you might already have in your pantry, but choosing quality staples will really elevate the flavor and texture here.

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 perfect foundation that gives the bread structure without being too dense.
Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to complement the chocolate without overpowering the bread.
Baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to give this bread its signature rise and light crumb.
Baking soda: Reacts with the buttermilk to lift the bread’s texture quickly—no yeast needed.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Chocolate chips: The fun twist that makes this Irish soda bread extra special and kid-friendly.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a gentle tang, making the crumb tender and flavorful.
Eggs: Help bind the dough and boost richness.
Unsalted butter, melted: Adds a subtle buttery flavor and keeps the bread moist.

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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

This Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to tailor to your taste or what you have on hand. Whether you want to add a twist of flavor or accommodate dietary needs, there’s plenty of room for creativity.

Gluten-Free Variation: I once swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend and added a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with structure. The bread still turned out tender and flavorful, perfect for friends with gluten sensitivities!
Seasonal Twist: For a fall vibe, try stirring in a teaspoon of cinnamon and swapping half of the chocolate chips for chopped walnuts or dried cranberries. It felt like autumn in every bite.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based buttermilk substitute (like almond milk with a splash of lemon juice) and vegan butter to make this bread dairy-free without sacrificing that tender crumb.
Extra Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter bread, adding a handful of raisins or swapping chocolate chips for white chocolate creates a delightful contrast. I sometimes mix those for an especially indulgent treat.
Nutty Upgrade: Adding a half-cup of chopped pecans or hazelnuts brings a crunchy texture contrast. I love how the nuts complement the chocolate chips and add a lovely crunch.

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 and Prep Your Skillet

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, grease your 12-inch cast iron skillet well with cooking spray or a little melted butter. This helps the bread develop that beautiful rustic crust and keeps it from sticking. Setting this up early means you won’t be scrambling when your dough is ready.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 3½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Then, gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips so they’re well distributed but not overworked. This dry mix is the foundation of your bread, and getting it well combined helps with even rising.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. The richness of the eggs and butter enriches the bread’s tender crumb and brings a lovely moist texture.

Step 4: Bring the Dough Together and Knead Gently

Pour the wet ingredients into your dry mix. Using a wooden spoon, gently combine until a rough dough forms. Dust your hands lightly with flour, then knead the dough gently — either in the bowl or on a floured surface — just enough to form a rough ball. The key here is not to over-knead; you want to keep the bread tender, not tough. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour to help it come together.

Step 5: Score and Bake

Place the dough ball into your prepared skillet. Using a sharp knife, score the top by cutting an 'X' or a few lines about an inch deep. This step lets steam escape during baking and helps the bread cook evenly through the center. Pop your skillet into the oven and bake for 45 minutes to an hour, until the top is beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the skillet for a few minutes — this resting period allows it to finish cooking and settle. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice your Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread warm or at room temperature. Whether slathered with butter or topped with your favorite jam, each slice offers that cozy, comforting flavor perfect for breakfast or an anytime snack.

Top Tip

Mastering the Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe is all about a few simple but crucial details that can take your bread from good to unforgettable.

Gentle Kneading: I’ve learned that kneading just enough to form a rough ball keeps the crumb tender and soft, avoiding a tough, dense bread.
Don’t Skip Scoring: Cutting the top with an 'X' lets steam escape and ensures the bread cooks evenly all the way through without becoming gummy inside.
Use a Cast Iron Skillet: Baking in a cast iron skillet gives the bread a beautifully rustic crust that’s hard to beat—if you don’t have one, a baking sheet works fine, but the texture differs.
Check the Dough Consistency: If your dough feels wet or sticky, adding flour bit by bit can help it come together without overworking it. I always watch the dough feel closely to know when it’s just right.

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

Chocolate chip Irish soda bread shines beautifully on its own, but adding a pat of creamy butter or a generous smear of your favorite jam—like raspberry or strawberry—takes it to another level. For a little extra indulgence, try a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar to add a subtle sweetness and pretty presentation.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast companion. If serving for brunch or a snack, consider creamy soup, a fresh fruit salad, or eggs and smoked salmon to complement its slightly sweet, chocolatey touch.

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 stays moist and delicious for 3 to 4 days at room temperature—perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep your bread longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer bag to protect against freezer burn. It will keep up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop slices in the toaster or warm the entire loaf in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This gives you that lovely crust and soft inside, just like right out of the skillet!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute buttermilk in this recipe?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1¾ cups of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Why is the dough supposed to be only gently kneaded?

Over-kneading develops gluten, which makes the bread tough and dense. Gentle kneading just until the dough forms a rough ball keeps the crumb tender and soft, which is ideal for this soda bread.

Can I bake this Irish soda bread without a cast iron skillet?

Absolutely! While a cast iron skillet helps create a rustic crust, you can bake the bread on a regular baking sheet. Just keep in mind the texture and crust will be a bit different.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best test is to bake the bread for 45 minutes to 1 hour until golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is done. The top should feel firm and have a lovely crust.

Final Thoughts

Making this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe is such a rewarding experience—quick, straightforward, and utterly delicious. There’s something comforting about the warm chocolate-speckled crumb and crispy crust that just feels like a hug in bread form. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, a cozy snack, or sharing with friends and family, it’s a wonderful way to bring a little bit of Irish charm into your kitchen. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!