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 cozy, homemade treat with a twist, this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a tender, slightly sweet bread loaded with melty chocolate chips, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

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’ve made plenty of Irish soda breads, but adding chocolate chips? That little extra sweetness totally transforms it into a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat that’s still super easy to pull off.

Quick and Easy: No yeast, no rising time — just mix, shape, and bake.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything needed right in your pantry.
Perfect Texture: A golden, rustic crust with a tender, moist crumb inside.
Chocolatey Delight: Sweet chocolate chips add a fun twist to this traditional Irish bread.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, make sure to gather fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture. A good quality buttermilk and real butter make a noticeable difference in this recipe’s richness and tenderness.

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: The backbone of the bread, providing structure while keeping it soft.
Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the chocolate without overwhelming it.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents work together for a lovely rise and lightness without yeast.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Chocolate chips: The star twist that turns classic soda bread into a delightful treat.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang that cuts through the sweetness and tenderizes the crumb.
Eggs: Help bind the dough and add richness.
Unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and helps keep the bread tender and 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 things about this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to add a little extra flair or adjust it to fit your dietary needs, there’s plenty of room to experiment and make it truly yours.

Chocolate Chip Choices: I love using semi-sweet chocolate chips for the perfect balance of sweet and rich, but dark chocolate or white chocolate chips work beautifully too if you prefer something different.
Fruit & Nut Boost: For a seasonal twist, try adding chopped dried cranberries or raisins along with a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans. It adds a lovely texture and bursts of flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this bread gluten-free. Just make sure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.
Dairy-Free Variation: Swap the buttermilk for a dairy-free alternative mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, and replace butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. I’ve done this often for a vegan friend and the bread still bakes up tender and moist.
Baking Method Swap: No cast iron skillet? No worries—baking on a regular sheet pan works well too, just keep an eye on the crust as it may brown a bit faster.

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: Preheat and Prep Your Skillet

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, grab a 12-inch cast iron skillet and grease it well with cooking spray. I find this not only prevents sticking but also helps create that irresistible golden crust. Having the skillet ready means you can pop your dough in right away when it’s mixed—no waiting around!

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk 3½ cups of all-purpose flour with ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed. Then, stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips so each bite gets a sweet surprise. I like to toss them in at this stage to avoid them sinking to the bottom.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups of buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. This mix creates the rich, tender crumb that makes this bread so special. Make sure your butter has cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs.

Step 4: Combine and Knead the Dough

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon, stir everything until just combined. Here’s a key tip: dust your hands lightly with flour and gently knead the dough until you can form a rough ball—either right in the bowl if it’s large enough, or on a lightly floured surface. Don’t over-knead; just enough to bring it together keeps the bread tender and soft inside.

Step 5: Shape and Score Your Bread

Place your dough ball into the greased skillet. Take a sharp knife and score the top with an X or a few lines about an inch deep. This step helps the bread bake evenly, allowing heat to penetrate the center and producing the classic soda bread look. It’s these little details that feel so satisfying!

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The bread will turn a warm golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom — the perfect sign it’s done. If it looks like it’s browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 7: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the skillet for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. When sliced, it’s soft and moist inside with delicious pockets of melted chocolate chips. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or your favorite jam for a wonderful breakfast or afternoon treat that’s sure to brighten your day.

Top Tip

Getting the perfect texture and flavor for your Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe is easier than you think when you keep a few simple tips in mind.

Gentle Kneading: From my experience, kneading just enough to bring the dough together—no more—keeps your bread tender and soft. Overworking the dough will make it tough, so treat it gently!
Even Chocolate Distribution: Stir the chocolate chips into the dry ingredients first to ensure they’re evenly spread throughout the dough instead of clustering in one spot.
Scoring the Dough: Don’t skip scoring the top of your dough before baking. The shallow X or lines help the bread cook evenly all the way through and give you that lovely rustic look.
Use a Cast Iron Skillet: Baking in a well-greased 12-inch cast iron skillet creates a beautiful golden crust. If you don’t have one, a baking sheet works, but the skillet really makes a difference!

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

This bread shines simply served warm with a pat of butter melting on top or a smear of your favorite jam. For a festive touch, try a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Fresh berries on the side can add a bright contrast to the rich chocolate chips nestled inside the bread.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. It also goes wonderfully with a creamy Irish cream liqueur if you want to celebrate in style. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait to balance the sweet flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay delicious for about 3 to 4 days, perfect for enjoying multiple breakfasts or snack times.

Freezing

Freezing is a great way to preserve any leftover bread. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its flavor or texture. Just thaw overnight at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

For that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This will revive its soft interior and slightly crisp the crust—just like it came out of the skillet! Microwaving is quicker but can make the bread a bit dense, so oven reheating is preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using in the recipe for best results.

Why do I need to score the dough before baking?

Scoring helps the bread bake evenly inside and prevents it from cracking unevenly. It also gives the loaf that classic rustic look traditional to Irish soda bread.

Can I omit the chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Leaving out the chocolate chips results in a classic Irish soda bread that’s delicious in its own right. You can also swap them for raisins or nuts for different flavors.

My bread came out dense—what went wrong?

Dense bread usually means the dough was over-kneaded or the baking soda/powder was not fresh. Remember to knead lightly and ensure your leavening agents are fresh for a light, fluffy bread.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about homemade bread, especially one as quick and delightful as this Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread Recipe. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven at breakfast or sharing it with friends during an afternoon tea, this bread brings a little dose of Irish warmth and sweetness to any occasion. So grab your skillet and give it a try—you might find a new favorite to keep coming back to!