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 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

If you’ve ever wanted to bake a quick bread that’s both comforting and a little bit special, you’re going to love this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe. It’s got all the classic tang of buttermilk with a sweet surprise inside—perfect for mornings or a cozy snack.

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 can’t get enough of this chocolate chip Irish soda bread. Every time I bake it, the aroma fills my kitchen and makes the whole house feel like a warm hug.

Simple Ingredients: You likely already have these standard pantry staples on hand.
No Yeast Needed: This quick bread comes together fast, with baking soda and powder doing the rising.
Rustic and Wholesome: Baked right in a skillet for that perfect golden crust and tender crumb.
A Touch of Sweetness: Chocolate chips add just enough sweetness to make it extra special.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients sets the stage for this bread’s beautiful texture and flavor. Grab good-quality all-purpose flour and fresh buttermilk to get that classic tang. And yes, those chocolate chips? They’re the secret to turning this traditional recipe into a fun treat.

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 base of your bread, providing structure and a tender crumb.
Granulated Sugar: Adds just a hint of sweetness to balance the tang of the buttermilk.
Baking Powder: Helps give the bread a lift and fluffiness without yeast.
Baking Soda: Reacts with the buttermilk for that quick rise and traditional soda bread texture.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Chocolate Chips: Because a little sweetness in every bite makes soda bread even better.
Buttermilk: The tangy liquid that keeps the bread moist and tender.
Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the dough.
Unsalted Butter (melted): Introduces a subtle buttery flavor and helps keep the bread soft.

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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 great thing about this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to swap ingredients, turn it into a festive treat, or cater to dietary needs, there are plenty of ways to customize this bread while keeping that comforting, rustic charm.

Chocolate Chip & Walnut: I love adding a handful of chopped walnuts alongside the chocolate chips for some extra crunch and a nutty twist that pairs wonderfully with the sweet chips.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Just be sure it has xanthan gum included to help the bread hold together well.
Berry Boost: Mix in dried cranberries or raisins with—or instead of—the chocolate chips for a fruity flair that brightens breakfast.
Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or mixed spice to the dry ingredients for a warming aroma and a lovely depth of flavor.
Dairy-Free Delight: Use a plant-based buttermilk substitute and vegan butter to make this recipe dairy-free without losing moisture or taste.

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 and Prep Your Skillet

First things first, heat your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, spritz a 12-inch cast iron skillet with cooking spray—this helps the bread develop that beautiful, rustic crust without sticking. Setting the skillet aside now means you’ll be ready to shape your dough straight into it when the time comes.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until they’re evenly combined. Then gently stir in the chocolate chips, coating them with flour to help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf while baking.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a smaller bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This combination gives the bread its signature tang and richness, perfect for balancing the sweetness of those chocolate chips.

Step 4: Bring the Dough Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir with a wooden spoon until everything is just combined. Now dust your hands lightly with flour and knead gently—either in the bowl or on a floured surface—just until you can form a rough ball. Resist the urge to over-knead here; the dough should be soft and a bit shaggy, not smooth like traditional bread dough.

Step 5: Shape and Score

Place your dough ball right into the prepared skillet. Using a sharp knife, score the top of the dough with a deep X or a few lines about an inch deep. This simple step helps the bread cook evenly inside and gives it that classic Irish soda bread look.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust—it should turn a warm golden brown. If you want to be extra sure it’s done, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Depending on your oven, you might need to bake up to 1 hour.

Step 7: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy

Once baked, let the bread cool in the skillet for a few minutes—this helps it set up nicely without sticking. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it warm or at room temperature, slather with butter or your favorite jam, and enjoy every comforting bite.

Top Tip

Having mastered the balance between a tender crumb and a crusty exterior, here are some tips that will make your Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe turn out just right every time.

Gentle Kneading: I’ve learned that kneading the dough just until it holds together — no more — is the key to keeping this bread soft and tender. Overworking it leads to a dense loaf.
Even Chocolate Chip Distribution: Tossing the chips in flour before mixing them in prevents clumping, so every slice gets that lovely studded richness.
Scoring Thoughtfully: Making a clear "X" or crosscut about an inch deep on top not only looks traditional but also helps the bread bake evenly through the center.
Using a Cast Iron Skillet: Baking in a pre-greased 12-inch cast iron skillet gives the bread that perfect rustic crust you just can’t beat. If you don’t have one, a baking sheet works fine but the texture may vary.

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

For an indulgent touch, serve slices warm with a generous smear of salted butter or your favorite fruit preserves — think raspberry or strawberry jam. A drizzle of honey or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar also adds a delightful twist. Fresh berries on the side bring bright pops of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

This Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread is fantastic alongside a hot cup of coffee or black tea. For something heartier, plate it with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, or a bowl of creamy Irish stew for a comforting brunch or light dinner option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Irish soda bread dries out fast if left exposed. Wrap your bread tightly in plastic wrap or seal it in an airtight container. Stored this way, it keeps its freshness for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature.

Freezing

To enjoy your Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread later, slice it, wrap each piece or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. You can freeze it for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven preheated to 300°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. For a quick fix, a few seconds in the microwave will do, but it’s best enjoyed with a crispy crust.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1¾ cups of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. This will give you the acidity needed for the soda bread to rise properly.

Why do I need both baking powder and baking soda?

The baking soda reacts with the acidity of the buttermilk for immediate rise, while the baking powder provides extra leavening and helps achieve that tender crumb and nice crust.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Semi-sweet, milk, or even white chocolate chips work well. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain the right balance of sweetness.

What if my bread is too dense or doesn’t rise enough?

Make sure to measure your flour accurately and don’t over-knead the dough. Also, check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as old leavening agents can lose potency.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe always feels a little like creating a cozy tradition in my kitchen. That rustic crust with sweet chocolate surprises inside is comfort food at its best — simple to make yet full of warmth and charm. I hope this bread becomes a beloved staple in your home too, perfect for sharing with family and friends over a cup of tea or coffee. Happy baking!