It seems like people either love or hate soda bread. The classic Irish version has caraway seeds and currents, both of which are polarizing ingredients. And sometimes, these sweet little loaves can be dry and chew like rock candy.
To be fair though, most are completely delightful. Hot soda bread makes me happy! I do love the traditional loaf, minus the caraway seeds. I like raisins and currents. However, my family members tend to be in the “Raisins should not be baked into anything ever” boat, and so …
We enjoy this version. It is soft, sweet, and completely delicious. Enjoy every bite. Cheers, Irish friends!
Irish Soda Bread
1 stick of butter
5 C flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 C sugar
3 C buttermilk
1 egg
Optional: raisins or currents
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a springform pan and set aside. Cut the butter into the flour. Mix in the rest of the ingredients, and fold in raisins or currents if using. Spray your pan and layer in the dough. Sprinkle the top with a bit of sugar. Bake for 60 minutes. Check with a toothpick or chopstick in the center. You may need to bake further for 5 minute increments if the center is wet. Enjoy with butter and jam.
