Description
This Irish Soda Bread offers an irresistible flavor with simple preparation. Made with buttermilk, flour, and raisins, it’s a perfect side for any meal or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 and 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg (optional)
- 4 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Choose a baking method: line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or prepare a cast iron skillet or a cake pan for baking.
- In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg, and set aside. In a larger bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until it resembles small crumbs. Stir in the raisins.
- Add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients and gently fold until a dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead lightly until the mixture holds together, adding flour if sticky.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place in the prepared baking pan. Score a shallow X on top of the dough with a knife.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. Use a thermometer for accuracy; it should read 195°F (90°C) in the center.
- Let the bread cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or toasted.
Notes
A cast iron skillet gives a great crust, while a baking sheet allows more spread.
If using raisins, make sure they are well mixed into the dough to ensure even distribution.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg