Soda bread has always been a problem.
You see, most soda breads are made with raisins (good) and caraway seeds (bad). I do not like caraway seeds. Something about their flavor, not to mention their hard little texture, really throws me off. I’ve never been a fan, and I’ve tried them plenty.
Seedless rye breads are delicious, though. As are seedless soda breads. Especially when you remove all the usual fillings and put chocolate chips there instead. Sacrilege, you say? Too bad. I’m going to enjoy St. Patrick’s my way!
In fact, I think we need to start a petition to make St. Paddy’s a bigger deal. You know, we should get the day off. And everyone should eat soda bread all day long with their meals. And we should have some kind of green food contest.
March needs holidays. We can even add another one into the end of the month, some kind of spring forward day without the uncomfortable time change. I don’t know about you, but this year’s time change left me feeling like I was slapped with a Nyquil stick.
Lest you think I’m digressing a lot right now, I’m not really. Because along with my amped-up St. Patrick’s Day should come amped-up soda breads. Why stop at chocolate chips? I dare all of my blog baker friends out there to find out what lengths they can climb to with a soda bread and a dream.
The great thing about soda bread is its inherent simplicity. For you yeast fearers out there, soda bread has no yeast. You pretty much mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients to make your dough. Once the dough has been kneaded a bit, all it takes is a little crisscross pattern to send the bread right into the oven.
You can eat this with butter, or not. Peanut butter, if you’re feeling daring. By itself if you realize (as I did) that it’s pretty rich on its own. But definitely without caraway seeds. We want none of those here!
Either way, it’s time to up the party level. We need more to celebrate in March, from the gradually climbing temps to the existence of chocolate chips. Let the holiday madness begin!
Chocolate Chip Soda Bread
Ingredients
4 cups flour (plus a bit for dusting while you knead)
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
1 cup chocolate chips
1 and 1/3 cups buttermilk
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350. Coat a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and baking soda. Using your fingers, a knife or a pastry blender, cut in the butter until crumbs form. Add the chocolate chips.
- In a smaller bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, and egg yolk. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Shape into a circle a bit smaller than your pan. Using a sharp knife, score a deep X into the top.
- Place the dough in the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes. The bread should be golden on top but not too dark.
- Cool. Slice and serve!
3.1
http://justaboutbaked.com/chocolate-chip-soda-bread/
Mir – I’m not a caraway seed fan, either. I do love raisins and actually made soda bread yesterday with some raisins. Chocolate chips though?! Brilliant. I love the idea. I’m going to have to make another one today or tomorrow. I agree with you about March needing more holidays. It’s such a long month especially for teachers!
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg recently posted…Maple Nut Smoothie
March is the LONGEST month for teachers, Erin! You speak truth. We need a day off, somewhere! I’m glad I’m not the only caraway hater. Just can’t do it…
What a fun take on soda bread, Mir! Chocolate chips make everything better. Love the flavor of this!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…One Pan Taco Macaroni and Cheese
Thanks, Gayle! I love putting chocolate in anything, even bread!
Yes to a new holiday. Yes to green food contests. Yes to chocolate chips in soda bread. I’m sold!! Awesome recipe, Mir!!
annie@ciaochowbambina recently posted…Focaccia with Lemony Greens & Parmesan
Thanks, Annie! I’m glad you’re with me. Food contests are lots of fun!
This sounds like the perfect soda bread for breakfast! I always like something just a little sweet.
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop recently posted…Homemade Garlic Croutons
Me, too, Kathy! Somehow, I always try to incorporate chocolate into breakfast. Some people think that’s weird, but I don’t care!
I have never tried soda bread before, but anything with chocolate chips in it has to be a good thing, right?
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Lentil and Feta Salad by David @ Spiced
Dannii, you live in the UK! You have to try soda bread, right? Try it this way. Much healthier. 😉
I don’t like caraway seeds either! Raisins- I don’t mind, but this “upgrade” with chocolate chips is a genius idea! Looks delicious! Definitely trying it!
mira recently posted…Blood Orange Curd Thumbprint Cookies
Thanks, Mira! I’m glad I’m not alone. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve bitten eagerly into a piece of bread, only to taste those seeds. It’s always a letdown!
I’m with you on the seeds, the green food contests, the chocolate, and the holiday. You are making me very happy right now that I took some vaca days this week! Chocolate chips in soda bread is genius!
Rachelle recently posted…Mile High Key Lime Pie
Oooh, enjoy your vacay! That sounds like a great idea. Your own holiday in March!
I love the way you think Mir! Chocolate chips > raisins, always! Although I DO like caraway seeds, I’ll admit. But still, chocolate is better! I made regular old soda bread last night, and now I’m feeling like that was a complete waste when it could have had chocolate in it!
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. recently posted…Black Bean Hummus
Nah, I’m sure it was delicious, Stacey! Some people actually hate the chocolate in their bread. But me, I’ll always go for it.
Chocolate chips go in anything, don’t they?! I’ve never had caraway seeds but I’ll certainly take the chocolate chips without complaint. Thanks for inspiring us to get creative with our soda bread!
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert recently posted…Nutella Frosted Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes
I’m so glad you agree with me, Jen! Chocolate chips are such a versatile ingredient. Though I still haven’t been brave enough to get savory with them in my dishes. It’s good to have a goal!
I am more of a don’t like raisins kind of girl. I defnitely am a yeast fearer, so I would love to try this bread with chocolate chips. I’m new to keading, would I be able to use the dough hook on my stand mixer? I also thought about sprinkling the top of the bread with some sugar.
You could use the hook, but this is a great practice recipe for kneading if you are not comfortable making bread. It’s no fail, I promise!
Sprinkling sugar on top might not work as well. Soda bread has a crusty exterior, which means sugar won’t adhere too well.
Let me know how it turns out!
Thank you!
I’ll sign this petition. For reals, I need a holiday right now.
And you are just genius for switching out chocolate chips for those seed things (does anyone really like those??) Ok. I have to confess. I’ve never had soda bread. BUT if there was a soda bread day I would’ve by now. So get going on that petition, I need soda bread asap! 🙂
Mary Frances recently posted…REESE’S Sweet and Salty Game Time Snack Mix
Consider the petition is progress, Mary Frances! And you know, definitely try soda bread. Even though it’s not vegan, it’s really good!
I have never had soda bread but I bet it tastes awesome because you added chocolate chips to it! <3
Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Mint Oreo Cookie Cups
Anything with chocolate chips, I know. Well, maybe not anything. But most things, Manali!
I’ve never made a soda bread before, but I think I need to change that. We don’t celebrate St Patty’s Day either and I am thinking of changing that. I also don’t know about caraway seeds either. I love all those chocolate chips too. 😉
Cyndi – My Kitchen Craze recently posted…Snickerdoodle Bars
If there’s dessert involved, I’ll celebrate ANYTHING. Thanks, Cyndi!
Mir, I LOVE the chocolate chips here!!!! I’ve never seen a chocolate chip soda bread!!! brilliant and LOVE this! Pinned!!!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Avocado Crostini Three Ways!
Thanks so much, Alice! I will always pick chocolate chips over seeds, or raisins. They’re a lot sexier.
had to save this recipe because im obsessed with soda bread and love the idea of adding chocolate chips to it!
Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel recently posted…Crunchy Dill Crispy Minis
I’m so glad, Kelsey! Let me know if you like it. It’s a little unorthodox, but I’m a fan!
I’m totally on board with chocolate chips instead of caraway seeds! #duh Pinning this awesomeness!
Lisa @ Wine & Glue recently posted…Samoa Fudge
Thanks for the pin, Lisa! Seriously, duh. Who wouldn’t rather have chocolate than those little hard seeds?!