A delightful twist on the classic Irish soda bread, featuring golden raisins and a touch of honey for added sweetness.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
Greasing the pan ensures the bread doesn't stick, making it easier to remove after baking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar.
Sifting the dry ingredients together can help achieve a smoother batter.
Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Use cold butter for a better texture in the final bread.
Stir in the golden raisins.
Coating the raisins in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and honey.
Ensure the egg is well beaten for a uniform mixture.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Check the bread at the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooling on a wire rack prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
Slice and serve your Golden Raisin Buttermilk Soda Bread with your favorite spread or topping.
This bread is delicious served warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.