Classic Irish Soda Bread

By jab120638

Ingredients

• 3 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 c. cake flour
• 2 Tbl. sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 Tbl. unsalted butter, cold
• plus 1 Tbl. melted butter for brushing loaf
• 1 3/4 c. buttermilk

Details

Servings 1
Adapted from eatcakefordinner.net

Preparation

Step 1

Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, sugar, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt. Cut 2 Tablespoons of cold butter into chunks and add to the flour mixture. Using your clean hands, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it is completely incorporated. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add 1 1/2 cups of the buttermilk. Use a fork to work the ingredients together. Add up to another 1/4 cup of buttermilk, adding 1 Tablespoon at a time, until a dough forms.

Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and pat together to form a 6'' round. Place dough into an 8'' inch (or larger) cast-iron skillet. If you don't have a cast-iron skillet you can use a baking sheet, but the outside won't get as crispy. Use a sharp knife and cut an "x" into the top of the loaf, about 5-inches long and 3/4-inch deep. Bake for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and brush with 1 Tablespoon of melted butter. Cool for a few minutes, slice and serve. Best if eaten on the day it is made.