Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour
  • ½ cup cake flour
  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into tiny cubes
  • 1/3 cup dried currents
  • 1 ¼ cups buttermilk plus more if dough is too dry

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In a large mixing bowl, using a pastry blender, combine all flours, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Add cold butter and cut in until mixture resembles coarse oatmeal.
  • Add the currents and blend well.
  • Using a large slotted spoon, stir in buttermilk and combine mixture into a slightly sticky dough. If dough is too dry, add a little more buttermilk.
  • Knead dough only a few times until it comes together, and shape it into a small, round loaf approximately 9-inches in diameter.
  • Place the loaf onto a parchment lined sheet pan. Gently press dough to slightly flatten. Using a knife or a razor, cut a large “x” ½-inch deep into the middle of the round loaf.
  • Bake bread for approximately 40 minutes, or until nice and brown. Serve with butter and jam.

Notes

Makes 1 approximately 9-inch round loaf