Irish Soda Bread

Method9 steps · about 1 hr 10 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (about 177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Step 2: Combine the 700 g flour, your chosen 110–220 g sugar, baking powder (1 tbsp), salt (1½ tsp) and baking soda (1 tsp) in a large bowl.

   Uses 700 g all-purpose flour · 110–220 g sugar, depending on desired sweetness · 1 tbsp baking powder (source: 12 g) · 1½ tsp salt (source: 7 g) · 1 tsp baking soda (source: 6 g)

   
3. 3

   Step 3: Cut the softened butter (113 g) into ¼-inch cubes. Cut it into the dry mixture with a pastry cutter or two butter knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

   Uses Combined dry ingredients · 113 g unsalted butter, softened and cut into ¼-inch cubes

   
4. 4

   Step 4: Stir in the raisins (190 g), breaking up any clumps so they are coated with the flour mixture.

   Uses Butter and dry-ingredient crumbs · 190 g raisins

   
5. 5

   Step 5: Beat the buttermilk (475 ml) and egg (1) together in a separate bowl, then add to the raisin mixture. Stir with a spatula just until incorporated. Do not knead or overwork the dough; some stickiness is normal.

   Uses 475 ml buttermilk · 1 large egg · Dry raisin mixture

   
6. 6

   Step 6: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into one large round loaf. Avoid overworking the dough.

   Uses Mixed soda-bread dough · Extra flour to dust the work surface, as needed

   
7. 7

   Step 7: Move the loaf onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Dust a knife with a little extra flour and cut a large X across the top, about 1 inch deep.

   Uses Shaped loaf, lifted from the work surface · Extra flour for the scoring knife, as needed

8. 8

   Step 8: Bake the single large loaf at 350°F (about 177°C) for 50–60 minutes. Start checking at 50 minutes and continue until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean and the bread is cooked through.

   Large soda bread: check at 50 minutes · 50 minUses Scored large loaf

9. 9

   Step 9: Let the loaf settle enough to slice, then cut into 16 portions. Serve plain, or toast slices and add butter to taste.

   Uses Baked soda-bread loaf · Butter for serving, optional, to taste