Irish Soda Bread

This tender, orange-scented, currant-studded bread is a sweet way to end your meal.

I had my toddler help me bake a loaf of Ina Garten’s Irish Soda Bread for a little St. Patrick’s Day fun this year.

This bread was hands-down the best Irish soda bread I’ve tasted! It was tender, fragrant and highly addictive!

I loved the addition of currants. They’re smaller than raisins, and they give you bright little pops of sweetness in every bite.

We managed to save a little of the (giant!) loaf to bring over to my in-laws’ house a few days later, and they loved every bite!

This recipe is super simple to put together, and you’re rewarded with a delicious loaf of bread!

Irish Soda Bread
Ina Garten

4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for currants
4 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 3/4 cups cold buttermilk, shaken
1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 cup dried currants

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the butter is mixed into the flour.

With a fork, lightly beat the buttermilk, egg, and orange zest together in a measuring cup. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture. Combine the currants with 1 tablespoon of flour and mix into the dough. It will be very wet.

Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and knead it a few times into a round loaf. Place the loaf on the prepared sheet pan and lightly cut an X into the top of the bread with a serrated knife. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. When you tap the loaf, it will have a hollow sound.

Cool on a baking rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Big Flavors Rating: 5 Stars