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Chef John’s Irish Soda Bread

I hope this comprehensive guide has inspired you to bake your own loaf of Chef John’s Irish Soda Bread! It’s a delicious, flavorful, and surprisingly easy bread that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s the complete list of ingredients, with precise measurements:

  • 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour
  • ¼ cup rolled oats
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons honey, or more to taste
  • 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
  • 1 cup dried currants
  • ⅓ cup golden raisins

These ingredients are perfect.

Prepare and measure all ingredients.

Instructions

Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare. Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. Whisk all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, oats, salt, baking soda, and baking powder together in a large bowl.

Step 3: Cut in Butter. Cut butter into flour mixture using a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients. Beat buttermilk, egg, honey, and orange zest together in a medium bowl.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry. Pour buttermilk mixture, currants, and raisins into flour-butter mixture; stir with a wooden spoon until a wet, sticky dough comes together.

Step 6: Shape Dough. Turn dough out onto a well-floured work surface; press dough together into a ball and cut into 2 equal pieces. Form each into a smooth, round loaf.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and let rest for 15 minutes. Cut a 1/2-inch-deep “X” into the top of each loaf using a serrated knife.

Step 8: Bake. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and fragrant, about 45 minutes.

Step 9: Cool. Transfer loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

These instructions are simple and easy to follow