Irish Soda Bread

Though the dough for this recipe is rather traditional, how we serve it (with chocolate 😅) is not. We messed with tradition and replaced the currants with mini chocolate chips. This upset a lot of our fans on Facebook. Because apparently, not even currants are authentic. Traditional Irish soda bread has no mix-ins.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1/4 c. plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided (optional)
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 3 tbsp. butter, diced and chilled
• 1 1/2 c. buttermilk
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp. melted butter
• 1 1/2 c. mini chocolate chips, raisins, or currents (optional)

Directions

• 1. Step 1Preheat oven to 375º. Grease an ovenproof 10” skillet with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ¼ cup sugar, baking soda and salt. Using a pastry cutter, or your hands, work in the butter until it’s evenly incorporated.
  3. Step 3In a separate medium bowl, combine buttermilk and egg. Add to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not over mix! Fold in chocolate chips, raisins, or currents, if using.
  4. Step 4Place dough in skillet and score an “X” on top with a sharp knife. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with remaining sugar, if using. Bake until golden, or until a toothpick comes out clean, 45 to 55 minutes. When you tap the loaf, it should sound hollow. Cool at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.