Irish soda bread (Ready-to-Print Version)
Soft, slightly sweet Irish bread baked until golden with a tender crumb and rustic flavor.
# What You’ll Need:
→ 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
05 -
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
→ Add-ins
06 -
1 cup raisins (or currants)
→ Wet Ingredients
07 -
1 large egg, lightly beaten
08 -
1 3/4 cups buttermilk, shaken
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly coat a 10-inch cast iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
02 -
Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and kosher salt in a large mixing bowl.
03 -
Using your hands, work the cold butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Fold in the raisins.
04 -
Pour in the buttermilk and beaten egg, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
05 -
Dust hands with flour, turn the dough onto a well-floured surface, and press it lightly into a round loaf, taking care not to overwork.
06 -
Transfer the dough to the prepared skillet and score an 'X' on top about 1 inch deep with a serrated knife. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the crust is golden. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
07 -
Carefully remove the skillet and let the bread rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, slice, and serve warm with butter or jam as desired.
# Handy Tips:
01 -
Handle the dough gently to maintain tenderness; overmixing will toughen the bread.