Indulge in the fusion of flavors and textures that American Irish Soda Bread Recipe brings to your table
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9" x 5" loaf pan to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, combine the pastry blend or flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, currants, and caraway seeds (if using). Mix the dry ingredients together until well combined.
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until smooth. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 3/4 cup of plain or vanilla yogurt.
Gently and quickly stir the wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Make sure not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Stir in the melted butter to add richness and flavor to the dough.
Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan. To prevent the milk from running down the sides, create a "moat" around the edges by lightly drawing your finger along the edge of the pan.
Drizzle the top of the bread with the tablespoon of milk, and then sprinkle the coarse sparkling sugar over it. This will give your bread a delightful sugary crunch.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes to 1 hour. To ensure it's fully baked, insert a cake tester into the center; it should come out clean. The interior temperature of the bread should measure between 200°F to 210°F (93°C to 99°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, gently turn it out onto a cooling rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for maintaining the bread's texture and ensuring it's easy to slice.
After the bread has cooled completely, slice it into thick, hearty pieces. Each bite offers a balance of sweetness from the currants and sugar crust, combined with the satisfying chewiness of the bread itself. For the best flavor, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Serving Size 1 slice (41g)
Servings 18
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Indulge in the fusion of flavors and textures that American Irish Soda Bread Recipe brings to your table. This recipe pays homage to the traditional Irish soda bread while satisfying American palates with its touch of sweetness and charming sugar crust. With straightforward instructions and a few handy tips, you'll be able to create a homemade loaf that's sure to impress your family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a delightful baking journey that blends Irish tradition with American taste.