This traditional no yeast bread recipe is a crumbly dense bread with a slightly sweet taste. With only a few pantry and refrigerator staples required, this delicious traditional soda bread can be made easily and is one everyone will enjoy.
Preheat the oven to 400°. Get out a 10 to 12-inch cast-iron skillet or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Alternatively, you can use a 9-10 inch cake pan that has been lightly greased.
In a small bowl, beat the buttermilk and egg together until combined and set aside.
In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until combined. Add the cubed butter to the flour mixture and cut in using a pastry cutter or fork. Work the butter into the flour until it becomes crumbly. Stir in currants or raisins.
Pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture and fold using a spatula until the dough becomes thick. Lightly flour your hands and remove the dough from the bowl onto a floured surface. Gently knead the dough for about 1 minute until all the flour has been incorporated.
Place the dough onto the cast iron skillet or prepared pan and use a very sharp knife to cut an X on top.
Bake for 45 minutes until the bread becomes a nice golden-brown color all over. If it begins to brown too quickly, place a loose tent of foil over the top. The internal temperature should be 190-200F.
Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Originally Posted on June 17, 2020Updated on March 2, 2022