Irish Soda Bread Favorite (Printer-Friendly Version)
Soft, hearty Irish soda bread with raisins and a hint of sweetness, baked in a cast iron skillet.
# 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
→ Fats
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
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly coat a 10-inch cast iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
02 -
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
03 -
Using your hands, work cold butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the raisins.
04 -
Add the buttermilk and beaten egg to the mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until combined; the dough will be sticky.
05 -
Lightly flour your hands and work surface. Transfer dough onto the surface and gently press into a round loaf without overworking.
06 -
Place the loaf into the prepared skillet. Using a serrated knife, score a 1-inch deep 'X' on top. Bake 35-40 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted in center comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
07 -
Remove skillet carefully from oven; let bread rest 5-10 minutes before transferring to a cutting board. Slice and serve warm with butter or jam.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
For best texture, avoid overworking the dough to maintain a tender crumb.