Irish Soda Bread

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For St. Patrick’s or St. Brigid’s feast day.

Makes one loaf. This recipe can easily be doubled for two loaves.

Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (½ stick) butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 6 tablespoons milk + 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• (For “spotted dog” soda bread, include 1 cup raisins)

Directions

• Stir flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar together in a large bowl until evenly blended.
• Chop cold butter into very small pieces and mix into flour mixture using a pastry blender or by rubbing between your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in raisins if using them.
• Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk or milk/vinegar mixture. Stir with a spoon just until the dry ingredients are moistened.
• Turn the dough out onto a well-floured work surface, and knead gently 8 to 10 times. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 375 degrees, and bake until the top of the bread is golden brown, about 15 minutes more.