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 cups buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

If you love trying new takes on classic comfort foods, you’re going to adore this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe. It’s got that tender crumb and crisp crust you expect, with a fun, sweet twist thanks to chocolate chips scattered throughout.

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

I’m honestly obsessed with how quick and fuss-free this bread is, yet it feels so special when you bite into that slightly sweet dough speckled with melty chocolate chips. It’s like a hug and a treat rolled into one!

Quick to Make: You can have warm, fresh-baked bread on your table in under an hour.
No Yeast Needed: Traditional soda bread leavens with baking powder and soda, so no rising time required.
Sweet & Savory Twist: Chocolate chips add a delightful surprise to an otherwise classic bread.
Perfect Anytime: Great for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack paired with your favorite tea or coffee.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, let’s quickly chat about the ingredients. Most of these might already be in your pantry, and I’ll share why each one is essential and what to look out for while shopping.

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: Gives the bread structure with a tender crumb balance perfect for soda bread.
Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to complement the chocolate without overpowering the classic flavor.
Baking powder: The primary leavening agent creating that lift and fluffiness.
Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder with the buttermilk for lightness and tenderness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Chocolate chips: A fun addition that brings melt-in-your-mouth moments throughout.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang, reacting with the soda to make the bread rise.
Eggs: Provide richness and bind the dough together.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds tenderness and depth without extra saltiness.

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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

One of the best things about this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re feeling adventurous or sticking with tradition, there’s room to make it truly your own.

Chocolate Variations: Love chocolate? Try mixing in a blend of dark, milk, or white chocolate chips for different bursts of sweetness. I once swapped half the chocolate chips for chunks of dark chocolate and the flavor was so rich and decadent!
Gluten-Free Twist: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix formulated for breads. Just be sure to check the consistency of your dough, adding a tiny bit more liquid or flour as needed.
Seasonal Touch: For a festive flair, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or mixed spice into the dry ingredients. I like to add orange zest alongside the chocolate chips around the holidays—it adds such a lovely fresh note.
Nuts and Seeds: Toss in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Sunflower seeds work well too, adding texture without overpowering the flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the buttermilk for a dairy-free alternative like oat or almond milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar to mimic the acidity. Melted coconut oil is a tasty substitute for butter.

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: Prep and Preheat With Purpose

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this temperature ensures a perfectly golden crust without drying out the inside. While the oven warms up, grease your 12-inch cast iron skillet generously with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps develop that crispy, satisfying crust we all love.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips

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. Once your dry mix is uniform, stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips evenly throughout. This ensures every slice has a delightful chocolate surprise.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients Smoothly

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter until everything is well combined. The buttermilk’s slight tang combined with the melted butter adds richness and a tender crumb to the bread.

Step 4: Mix and Knead Gently

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Using a wooden spoon, mix until just combined—the key is to avoid over mixing, which can toughen the bread. 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. Remember, less is more here to keep your soda bread tender and moist.

Step 5: Shape and Score Your Loaf

Transfer your dough ball into the prepared skillet. Using a sharp knife, score the top with an X or a couple of parallel lines about an inch deep. This classic step isn’t just for looks—it helps the bread cook evenly, especially through the middle.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated 350°F oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell of freshly baked bread with hints of chocolate will fill your kitchen, signaling it’s almost time to enjoy!

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the skillet for a few minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures the crust remains crisp while the inside finishes setting. Slice and serve your Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread warm or at room temperature, ideally with butter or jam—each bite is comforting and delicious.

Top Tip

Mastering this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe is all about a few key techniques that make the process easier and your bread perfectly tender with just the right amount of sweetness.

Gentle Kneading: From my experience, kneading the dough just enough to bring it together into a ball—not more—results in a tender crumb and keeps the bread delightfully soft inside while the crust crisps up beautifully.
Flour Your Hands: Dusting your hands with flour before handling the sticky dough really helps prevent frustration and keeps everything from sticking to you!
Use a Cast Iron Skillet: I’ve found baking this bread in a 12-inch cast iron skillet gives it that gorgeous golden crust and even baking heat, but if you don’t have one, a regular baking sheet works just fine.
Score Deeply: Don’t be shy when scoring the top—cutting an X or deep lines about an inch into the dough ensures even baking and helps your bread rise properly.

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

To elevate this slightly sweet Irish soda bread, try spreading it with creamy butter, honey, or your favorite jam. A drizzle of Irish cream-infused whipped cream can also turn it into a decadent treat, especially for brunch or afternoon tea.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea—particularly with a splash of Irish cream. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced and satisfying breakfast or snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Irish soda bread can dry out quickly, so it's best to wrap your leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. When stored this way, it will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days at room temperature.

Freezing

If you want to keep your bread longer, you can freeze it by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it inside a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Irish soda bread keeps well for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for about 5–7 minutes until the bread is heated through and lightly crisp on the outside. This brings back that freshly baked warmth and crunchy crust we all love.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

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

Why is the dough sticky and how can I fix it?

This dough is naturally a bit sticky due to the buttermilk and eggs. Dusting your hands with flour before kneading and adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, if needed, will help manage the stickiness without making the bread tough.

Can I use other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?

Absolutely! While chocolate chips add a lovely sweetness, you can experiment with raisins, currants, chopped nuts, or even dried cranberries to customize your soda bread to your taste.

What if I don't have a cast iron skillet?

No problem! You can use a regular baking sheet lined with parchment paper instead. Just shape the dough into a round loaf and bake it the same way. The crust might not be quite as crisp but it will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe has quickly become one of my favorites because it brings that classic Irish comfort with a fun, sweet twist. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven at breakfast or as an afternoon treat with tea, it’s a simple but satisfying way to brighten your day. I hope you find as much joy in baking and sharing this bread as I do—it’s truly a cozy slice of home.