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

Warm, tender, and studded with melty chocolate chips, this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe is a cozy twist on a classic favorite. Imagine a soft crumb with a crisp skillet-baked crust—that’s what you’re in for with this comforting bread.

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 remember the first time I made this chocolate chip Irish soda bread—I was shocked at how easy it was, and how perfectly it balanced sweet and traditional flavors. It quickly became a staple breakfast treat around here.

Easy to Make: No yeast, no rising time—just mix, shape, and bake.
Simple Ingredients: Mostly pantry staples with a chocolaty boost.
Perfect Texture: Soft crumb inside with a satisfyingly crisp crust from the cast iron skillet.
Versatile Serving: Great for breakfast, brunch, or a snack with tea or coffee.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread, I like to keep it simple and let the quality of a few key ingredients shine. Using real buttermilk gives the bread its traditional tang and tenderness, while the chocolate chips add that fun surprise in every bite.

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 foundation for a tender, yet sturdy bread crumb.
Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to complement the chocolate.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise and creates a light texture.
Baking soda: Reacts with the buttermilk to give the bread its classic lift.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Chocolate chips: Melts into pockets of lovely sweetness throughout.
Buttermilk: Gives the bread its tender crumb and subtle tang.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds a delicate richness and helps keep 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

One of the best parts about this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you want to add a little extra sweetness, swap in your favorite mix-ins, or adjust for dietary preferences, this recipe welcomes creativity with open arms.

Chocolate Chip Variations: I love experimenting with different types of chocolate chips—dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even mini chips all add a fun twist. Adding a handful of chopped walnuts or dried cranberries gives it a little extra texture and flavor too.
Gluten-Free Option: For friends who need to avoid gluten, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that the texture may be a bit different but still delicious!
Seasonal Flavors: Around the holidays, I sometimes add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a splash of orange zest to elevate the warmth and festive spirit of this bread.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Use a plant-based buttermilk substitute, like almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice, to keep that tangy moisture without dairy.

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 Prepare Your Skillet

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this gentle temperature helps achieve that perfect golden crust without rushing the crumb inside. While the oven warms, grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet liberally with cooking spray or butter. This step is key to ensure your bread doesn’t stick and develops a deliciously crispy bottom and edges.

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 3½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Whisking these ingredients together well helps evenly distribute the leavening agents, so your bread rises beautifully. Then, gently stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips, making sure they’re well spread throughout the mix.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups of buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until smooth and fully combined. The buttermilk’s tanginess tenderizes the dough while the eggs and butter add richness—this combo is the magic behind the bread’s tender crumb.

Step 4: Bring It All Together Gently

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and use a wooden spoon to mix just until the dough starts to come together. It’s normal for the mixture to feel a bit sticky at first. Lightly flour your hands and either in the bowl or on a floured surface, gently knead the dough just enough to form a rough ball—this usually takes less than a minute. Remember, minimal kneading keeps the bread tender and soft.

Step 5: Shape and Score Your Dough

Place your dough ball right into the greased cast iron skillet. Using a sharp knife, score an “X” or a few lines about an inch deep across the surface of the dough. This scoring isn’t just decorative—it helps the heat penetrate evenly so the center cooks fully without a doughy patch.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Pop your skillet into the oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the bread's crust turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen with the comforting scent of warm bread and melted chocolate—almost impossible not to sneak a slice right then!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the skillet for a few minutes—this helps it set so it slices cleanly. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy it warm. Slice it up and serve with a pat of butter or a smear of your favorite jam for an indulgent treat. Trust me, it’s delightful any way you enjoy it.

Top Tip

These tips will help you master your Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe and enjoy the best texture and flavor every time.

Gentle Kneading: I learned that only kneading the dough just enough to form a ball keeps the bread tender and avoids a tough crumb—overworking it is an easy trap to fall into!
Cast Iron Skillet Magic: Baking in a greased cast iron skillet really gives this bread that signature crispy crust while keeping the inside soft and dreamy.
Don’t Skip Scoring: Scoring the top of the dough with an X or a few lines helps the bread bake evenly and makes slicing a breeze later on.
Chocolate Chip Distribution: Stir in the chocolate chips thoroughly into the flour mixture so every bite has a sweet surprise, instead of clusters all in one spot.

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

Simple is best! Top slices with a pat of creamy butter or a smear of your favorite jam or marmalade. For an indulgent touch, a drizzle of honey or a dollop of clotted cream elevates the chocolate chips’ sweetness perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair your bread with a warm cup of coffee or Irish breakfast tea. For something heartier, serve alongside scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, or sautéed greens to keep the traditional Irish spirit alive with a chocolaty twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for 3 to 4 days at room temperature. This helps prevent it from drying out and losing that lovely soft crumb.

Freezing

To enjoy later, freeze your bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy, so the texture stays just right.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or in a low oven until heated through—this refreshes the crust and gives you that freshly baked feeling. Avoid microwaving, which can make the bread gummy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Buttermilk is key to the tender crumb and slight tang that defines this soda bread. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1¾ cups of milk; let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Do I have to use a cast iron skillet?

Using a cast iron skillet produces a wonderfully crisp crust, but if you don’t have one, a regular baking sheet works just fine. Your bread’s texture and baking time will be quite similar.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread should be golden brown on the outside and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Baking typically takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour at 350°F (175°C).

Can I add nuts or dried fruit instead of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the chocolate chips for chopped nuts like walnuts or dried fruit such as raisins or currants to customize the flavor to your liking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply comforting about baking and sharing a warm loaf of Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread. With its soft crumb, sweet chocolate surprise, and that perfect crispy crust, this recipe brings a little slice of Irish joy to your kitchen. I hope it becomes a beloved ritual for your breakfast table or cozy snack moments. Happy baking and sláinte!