Description
This Irish soda bread is a delightful mix of buttermilk, flour, and optional raisins, creating a warm comfort food perfect for any meal. Enjoy the simple prep and mouthwatering flavor that pairs beautifully with soups or spreads!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 and 3/4 cups (420ml) buttermilk
- 1 large egg (optional)
- 4 and 1/4 cups (531g) all-purpose flour, plus more for your hands and counter
- 3 tablespoons (38g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons (71g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- optional: 1 cup (150g) raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Choose a baking pan: a regular baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat, a seasoned cast iron skillet, a greased 9-10 inch cake pan, or a greased dutch oven.
- Whisk the buttermilk and egg together in a bowl. In a separate large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until it resembles pea-sized crumbs. Stir in the raisins.
- Add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients, gently folding until the dough is too stiff to stir. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface, knead for about 30 seconds until all flour is moistened. If sticky, add more flour.
- Place the dough into the prepared pan. Score the top with a sharp knife about 1/2 inch deep.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until golden brown and a thermometer inserted reads 195°F (90°C). Tent with foil if browning occurs too quickly.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For a richer flavor, consider adding the optional raisins to the dough.
Make sure to store leftover bread wrapped tightly in aluminum foil for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 203
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 195mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 18mg