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’re craving a classic treat with a twist, you’re in for a real delight with this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe. It’s cozy, slightly sweet, and perfect for mornings or any time you want a warm snack with butter or jam.

A round, golden-brown loaf of bread with a cracked top sits in a black cast iron pan, showing its soft, light inside. The bread has visible dark raisins spread evenly on the surface, giving texture and color contrast. The bread crust looks slightly cracked and crispy, with a mix of light tan and deeper golden shades. The pan is on a white marbled surface, with blurred bowls containing spices in the background. 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’ve made this chocolate-studded Irish soda bread more times than I can count, and every time it comes out golden, tender, and just right. It’s a foolproof way to bring a bit of Irish charm and sweetness into your kitchen.

Quick and Easy: No yeast or rising time needed—just mix, shape, and bake!
Perfect Texture: A tender crumb with a slightly crisp, golden crust baked right in a skillet.
Chocolatey Twist: Classic soda bread gets a subtle sweetness with plenty of melty chocolate chips.
Versatile and Delicious: Serve it warm with butter, jam, or even as a snack with coffee or tea.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this recipe. You’ll want fresh buttermilk for tanginess, quality chocolate chips for that perfect sweet surprise, and just the right balance of leaveners to get a nice rise without fuss.

Flat lay of three and a half cups of all-purpose flour in a simple white ceramic bowl, half a cup of granulated sugar in a small white bowl, one tablespoon of baking powder and one teaspoon of baking soda each in their own small white bowls, one teaspoon of salt in a small white bowl, a white ceramic bowl filled with chocolate chips, two large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of melted unsalted butter showing its golden liquid texture, a small white bowl filled with fresh buttermilk, all ingredients evenly spaced and perfectly symmetrical, 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 sturdy base for this quick bread, providing structure while staying tender.
Granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to complement the chocolate chips without overpowering.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk’s acidity to give the bread a light texture.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Chocolate chips: The star addition that brings a warm, melty sweetness to every bite.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture, a slight tang, and reacts with baking soda for lift and tenderness.
Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and give the bread richness.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds flavor and keeps the bread moist without weighing it down.

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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

The beauty of this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you want to add a twist on flavors or adapt it for dietary needs, it’s a welcoming canvas for creativity.

Chocolate Chip and Walnut: Adding chopped walnuts along with the chocolate chips gives this bread a delightful crunch and a nutty contrast. I love this twist especially when serving it for brunch — the textures just sing!
Gluten-Free Variation: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio to accommodate gluten sensitivities. Just note that the texture may be slightly different but still deliciously tender.
Seasonal Spice Blend: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg to bring a cozy, seasonal vibe perfect for cooler months.
Dairy-Free Version: Use almond milk or oat milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar to replace buttermilk and substitute melted coconut oil for butter — equally tasty and kind to dairy-free eaters.

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

The image shows a wooden board on a white marbled surface with four slices of a light yellow bread filled with dark brown spots, which are evenly spread raisins or chocolate chips. The bread has a soft, airy texture visible in the slices. One slice has a thin layer of butter spread on top, and beside the bread, there is a white scalloped dish holding a small mound of butter. A silver knife with some butter on it lies on the board near the bottom left corner. The top crust of the bread is golden brown and slightly cracked, resting partially sliced on the board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Skillet

Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F. While it warms up, lightly grease your 12-inch cast iron skillet with cooking spray to prevent sticking and give the crust a beautiful golden color. This also means less cleanup later — win-win!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 3½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon each of baking soda and salt. Whisk well so everything is evenly mixed. Then gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips, making sure they’re distributed evenly throughout the flour mixture.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a smaller bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups of buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. This mixture should be smooth and well combined, creating a creamy base that adds moisture and richness to your bread.

Step 4: Gently Combine and Knead the Dough

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to stir gently, just until everything is combined – don’t worry if it looks a little shaggy! Lightly flour your hands, then knead the dough either in the bowl (if roomy) or on a floured surface. Work it just enough to form a rough ball; over kneading will make the bread tough instead of tender.

Step 5: Shape, Score, and Bake

Transfer your dough ball into the prepared skillet. With a sharp knife, score an X or several lines about an inch deep on top – this little trick helps the heat reach the center and results in an even bake. Pop it into the oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Look for a golden crust, and test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let the bread cool in the skillet for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling fully ensures the bread sets perfectly. Slice it warm or at room temperature, then spread on a little butter or your favorite jam. It’s pure comfort – especially with a hot cup of coffee or tea (maybe even a splash of Irish cream!).

Top Tip

Getting your Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread just right is all about those little details that make the difference between good and unforgettable. Here are some tips from my own kitchen adventures to help you bake this bread perfectly every time.

Gentle Kneading: I always remind myself not to over knead the dough. Just enough to bring it together into a rough ball keeps the bread tender and soft inside.
Even Chocolate Distribution: Stir the chocolate chips in last and fold them gently to make sure they’re spread evenly without melting or clumping.
Scoring the Dough: A sharp knife and a confident score about an inch deep really help the bread bake evenly, especially the center.
Using a Cast Iron Skillet: If you can, use a 12-inch cast iron skillet as it creates a beautiful crust and even baking. When I switched from a baking sheet to skillet, the difference was incredible!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe

The image shows four steps of mixing ingredients in clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface. The first bowl is filled with dry flour mixed with dark chocolate chips, the texture looks powdery with spots of chocolate pieces. The second bowl contains a bright yellow beaten liquid with a smooth and bubbly texture. The third bowl shows a mix of the yellow liquid with white powdery flour and chocolate chips starting to combine, with some powder still visible on top. The fourth bowl has a thick creamy dough mixed with chocolate chips being stirred by a wooden spoon held in a woman's hand. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

This bread is delightful on its own, but topping it with a pat of creamy butter or a smear of your favorite jam turns it into something extra special. For a festive touch, dust lightly with powdered sugar or add a drizzle of honey to complement the sweet chocolate chips.

Side Dishes

Serve your Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread alongside a warm bowl of Irish stew or a fresh fruit salad for breakfast. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea—try adding a splash of Irish cream to your drink for that authentic touch. For a cozy snack, spread some cream cheese or nut butter on a warm slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and cooled, wrap your Irish soda bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for 3 to 4 days. Because soda bread can dry out quickly, proper storage is key to enjoying it days after baking.

Freezing

If you’ve made more than you can eat in a few days, freezing is a lifesaver! Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Your bread will keep beautifully for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To revive frozen or leftover bread, warm slices in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. For a quick fix, toasting slices brings back that lovely crisp crust and melty chocolate chip goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk in this recipe?

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, which helps mimic the acidity needed for the soda bread to rise properly.

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

No worries! You can use a regular baking sheet instead. Just make sure to grease it well and keep an eye on the baking time as it might vary slightly.

How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?

The bread should be golden brown on the crust, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If it sticks to the toothpick, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Traditional Irish soda bread often includes raisins or currants. You could also experiment with nuts, dried cranberries, or even orange zest for a citrus twist.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe brings a wonderful blend of tradition and sweetness that I just love sharing with family and friends. The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with that cozy home-baked aroma and melty chocolate surprises, makes it a standout. Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a comforting breakfast treat, this loaf hits the spot every time. Happy baking!