Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Traditional Irish Soda Bread.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch cast iron skillet and give it a good greasing to ensure your bread comes out easily later on.

2. Step 2

   In a bowl, pour some hot water over the raisins and currants, letting them soak for a bit. This will plump them up and enhance their sweetness. Meanwhile, in another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda until they’re well combined. Then, gently stir in the buttermilk until you have a soft dough.

3. Step 3

   Once your fruits have soaked, drain them and pat them dry with paper towels. Now, fold these delightful morsels into your dough, mixing gently. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it lightly until it holds its shape. If it feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a bit more flour until it’s just right.

4. Step 4

   Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it into your prepared skillet. With a sharp knife, make a cross on the top of the loaf; this not only looks lovely but helps the bread bake evenly.

5. Step 5

   Now, it’s time to bake! Place your skillet in the preheated oven and let it bake for about an hour, or until the top is golden brown and a slender knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!