Robert Ditty's Irish Soda Bread

Robert Ditty's Irish Soda Bread
4.2 from 30 ratings
Traditional Irish soda bread does not have dried fruit in it, although if you wish, you may add some to this recipe. This is Robert Ditty's recipe; he's widely regarded as the best baker in all of Ireland. His bakery is located in the town of Castledawson in Londonderry.
Servings
12
servings
Ingredients
  • 4 cup white flour, plus more kneading the dough
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 cup buttermilk
  • currants, raisins, or other dried fruit, to taste (optional)
  • butter, for greasing the pie pan and serving
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Sift together into a large bowl the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the buttermilk and currants, raisins, or other dried fruit and mix until just combined and a dough forms.
  3. Lightly dust a work surface with flour. Knead the dough for 2 minutes and shape into a round loaf.
  4. Butter an 8-inch pie pan and place the dough inside. Cut a cross along the top and bake for 35-40 minutes. Enjoy warm with butter.