Irish Soda Bread Easy Traditional (Printer-Friendly)
A soft, hearty loaf with slight sweetness, baked traditionally using simple ingredients and buttermilk.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 -
4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
02 -
1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 -
1 teaspoon baking soda
04 -
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
→ Fat and Add-ins
05 -
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
06 -
1 cup raisins or currants
→ Wet Ingredients
07 -
1 large egg, lightly beaten
08 -
1 3/4 cups buttermilk, shaken
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Coat a 10-inch cast iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
02 -
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 -
Work the cold butter into the flour mixture using your hands until it resembles coarse crumbs. Fold in the raisins.
04 -
Add the buttermilk and beaten egg to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
05 -
Dust hands with flour and turn the dough onto a floured surface. Gently press into a round loaf without overworking.
06 -
Transfer the loaf to the prepared skillet. Using a serrated knife, score an “X” about one inch deep on top of the dough.
07 -
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the crust is golden. Tent loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
08 -
Remove from oven and allow the bread to rest in the skillet for 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, slice, and serve warm with butter or jam.
# Additional Suggestions:
01 -
Use cold butter to achieve a tender crumb and prevent overdevelopment of gluten.