Toasted Fruit Soda Farls with Butter
Warm Irish-Style Griddle Bread with Sweet Fruit
Fruit soda farls are a traditional variation of Irish soda bread, lightly sweetened with dried fruit and cooked as flat rounds (farls) on a griddle or pan. When toasted and finished with melting butter, they become golden on the outside, soft inside, and deeply nostalgic.
Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a simple supper with a cup of tea.
What Are Soda Farls?
“Farl” means quartered. Instead of baking a full loaf, soda bread dough is shaped into a round, cut into four wedges, and cooked on a hot pan or griddle. The result is:
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Faster cooking
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Tender crumb
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Crisp, golden exterior
Adding fruit turns them into a gently sweet treat without being cake-like.
Ingredients (Makes 4 Farls)
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1–2 tbsp sugar (optional, for sweetness)
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¾ cup buttermilk (plus a little extra if needed)
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½ cup dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants, or mixed fruit)
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Butter, for toasting and serving
Optional additions:
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½ tsp cinnamon
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Zest of ½ orange or lemon
Make the Dough
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
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Stir in the dried fruit until evenly distributed.
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Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk.
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Mix gently with a fork until a soft dough forms.
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Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead very lightly—just enough to bring it together.
The dough should be soft, not sticky.
Shape the Farls
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Pat the dough into a round about 2–3 cm thick.
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Cut into four equal wedges.
No rolling pin needed—gentle hands keep them tender.
Cook on the Griddle
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Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
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Place the farls onto the hot surface.
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Cook for 6–8 minutes per side, turning carefully, until:
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Golden brown
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Cooked through
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Firm but not dry
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Lower heat is key so the centers cook without burning.
Toast & Butter (The Best Part)
Once cooked:
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Split the farls in half horizontally.
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Toast lightly until crisp and golden.
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Spread generously with butter while hot.
The butter melts into the crumb, carrying sweetness from the fruit in every bite.
Serving Ideas
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With tea or coffee
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Spread with butter and honey
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Butter + jam or marmalade
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With clotted cream
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Alongside cheese for sweet-savory contrast
They’re best enjoyed warm.
Tips for Perfect Fruit Soda Farls
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Don’t over-knead—soda bread likes a light touch
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Use fresh baking soda for proper rise
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Keep heat moderate to avoid burning
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Toasting after cooking enhances flavor and texture
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Eat the same day for best results
Variations
Wholemeal Fruit Farls
Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.
Dairy-Free
Use plant-based milk with a squeeze of lemon.
Spiced Fruit Farls
Add nutmeg, cinnamon, or mixed spice.
Savory-Sweet
Reduce sugar and serve with salted butter or sharp cheese.
Storage
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Best eaten fresh
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Can be wrapped and kept 1 day at room temperature
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Reheat or toast before serving
Final Thoughts
Toasted fruit soda farls with butter are the kind of simple pleasure that never goes out of style. Warm, humble, and deeply comforting, they’re proof that the best foods often come from the simplest ingredients.