This recipe provides a classic American take on Irish Soda Bread, featuring a slightly sweeter flavor and a tender crumb. The addition of raisins or currants adds a delightful touch of sweetness and texture. It’s a simple, comforting bread perfect for any occasion.

 

Ingredients:
Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 3 3/4 cups
Granulated sugar 1/4 cup
Cornstarch 2 tablespoons
Baking powder 1 tablespoon
Baking soda 1/4 teaspoon
Fine salt 3/4 teaspoon
Unsalted butter (room temp) 5 tablespoons
Buttermilk 1 1/4 cups
Large egg (lightly beaten) 1
Raisins or currants 1 cup
Garnish:

 

Ingredient Quantity
Unsalted butter (melted) 2 to 3 tablespoons
Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cut in Butter: Using your hands or a pastry cutter, work the room-temperature butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add Wet Ingredients and Raisins: Add the buttermilk, lightly beaten egg, and raisins or currants to the bowl. Stir with a fork until the mixture forms a dough.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Knead the dough until it comes together and is slightly bumpy, about 12 to 14 kneads.
Shape the Bread: Form the dough into a 6-inch diameter disk.
Prepare for Baking: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Cut a cross shape on the top of the dough.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs (not wet). If the bread is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil.
Garnish: Once removed from the oven, brush the top of the bread with melted butter.
Serve: Serve warm with butter. Enjoy!