Irish Soda Bread

Caption
Irish Soda Bread
Photo Credit
Laura Adamache/Shutterstock
The Editors
Yield
1 loaf
Category
Course
Preparation Method
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There’s no need to make a deal with a leprechaun. This Irish soda bread recipe turns instead to science—well, baking soda and baking powder—for a lighter, scone-like loaf. Note that traditional Irish soda bread is plain without add-ins such as currants and caraway, so we’ve marked those ingredients as optional. Soda bread tastes best steaming hot from the oven, slathered with Irish butter!

Find 20 more St. Patrick’s Day recipe ideas!

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for work surface
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup raisins, golden raisins, or currants (optional)
2 tablespoons caraway seeds (optional)
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 350º. In the bowl of a standing mixer with paddle attachment, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add butter, caraway seeds, and currants (if you like). Combine just until incorporated.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg. Add to dough; mix just until incorporated.
  3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and fold it over onto itself two or three times, shaping it into a round 8-inch loaf. You can also use a tube pan to help shape the loaf. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment or Silpat. If desired, score an “x” on the top of the dough.
  4. Bake 45 minutes, until well-browned and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve with butter and your favorite jam or preserves.
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The Old Farmer's Almanac Editors

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