Soft & Sweet Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 cups (360g) bread flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) dark brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) buttermilk (see notes for homemade)
• 1 egg, whisked into the buttermilk
• 1/2 cup raisins, cleaned and separated
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, cleaned and separated
• Optional additions:
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon.
3. Cut in butter: Using a pastry cutter or box grater, cut or grate cold butter into the flour mixture. Gently stir until distributed.
4. Combine wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in buttermilk and egg mixture. Stir or mix by hand just until ingredients begin to come together.
5. Add fruit and optional seeds/zest: Fold in raisins, cranberries, and optional caraway seeds and orange zest. Continue turning the dough until it starts to look a little sticky and stringy.
6. Shape the loaf: Pull dough onto a floured surface. Using floured hands, fold, turn, and shape it into a ball.
7. Score and bake: Score the top of the loaf with an "X" for even heat distribution. Place in a baking dish or cast iron skillet and bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
8. Cool: Remove from oven, transfer to a cooling rack, and slice once cool enough to handle.

Notes:

• Flour: Bread flour is recommended for a crusty, chewy loaf. All-purpose flour can be used, but texture may vary.
• Egg: The egg makes the bread denser. Omit for a lighter loaf.
• Buttermilk substitute: Combine 1 tablespoon + 1/4 teaspoon white or cider vinegar with 1 1/4 cups milk. Let sit for 15 minutes until thickened.
• Storage: Store in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or slice, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Optional additions: Caraway seeds add a classic Irish soda bread flavor. Cinnamon and orange zest enhance the sweetness and aroma.

Enjoy your delicious Irish Soda Bread!