If you’ve never made Irish soda bread before, this crockpot version is the easiest way to do it! No kneading, no special tools—just mix, drop it in the slow cooker, and let it do its thing. The result? A golden, slightly sweet, perfectly soft bread with a crisp crust. It’s amazing warm with butter and honey or alongside a hearty stew. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell incredible! Let’s get baking.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
Tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry cutter (or fork)
- Wooden spoon
- Parchment paper
- 4 to 6-quart slow cooker
Pro Tips
✅ Cold Butter is Key – Keep your butter cold for the best texture. It helps create that flaky, tender crumb.
✅ No Buttermilk? No Problem – Mix 1 3/4 cups of milk with 1 3/4 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
✅ Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined. Overmixing makes the bread tough.
✅ Crispier Crust – If you like a crunchy crust, pop the finished bread under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.
✅ Make it Sweet or Savory – Add a little honey for sweetness or skip the sugar and raisins for a more traditional loaf.
Substitutions & Variations
- No raisins? Try dried cranberries or leave them out.
- Dairy-free? Use coconut milk + vinegar instead of buttermilk and dairy-free butter.
- Gluten-free? Swap for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Make Ahead Tips
- You can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Once baked, this bread stays fresh for about 2 days at room temp or up to a week in the fridge.
How to Make Crockpot Irish Soda Bread
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Pour this into the dry mixture and stir just until combined. If using raisins, fold them in gently.
Step 4: Shape & Place in Slow Cooker
Form the dough into a round ball (it will be sticky, that’s okay!). Place a piece of parchment paper in the slow cooker and set the dough on top.
Step 5: Cook on High
Cover and cook on high for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 6: Cool & Enjoy!
Carefully lift the bread out using the parchment paper and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store at room temp for 2 days, wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
- In the fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freeze it! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
That’s it! Soft, warm, and slightly sweet Irish soda bread made right in your crockpot. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Do you like it with raisins or plain? Leave a comment and tell me how your family enjoyed it! 🍞💛
