Best Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350f. Line a baking tray with baking parchment or a silicone mat. In a large bowl, add all but 1 tbsp of the flour, the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, raisins and salt. Mix together.

Break the eggs into a separate bowl and whisk gently for a few seconds. Pour all but 1 tbsp of the egg into a separate small bowl. Add in the buttermilk and melted butter (make sure the butter isn’t too hot or it will scramble the eggs) to the large bowl and stir to combine.

Pour the egg mixture into your dry flour mixture and stir – initially using a wooden spoon, and then your hands – until you get a sticky dough. Don’t overmix or you’ll end up with tough bread.

Form the dough into a large ball and place on the prepared baking sheet. Score a 1-inch-deep cross into the bread – using a sharp knife. Brush the reserved egg yolk all over the bread and then sprinkle with the reserved flour.

Place in the oven and cook for 45-50 minutes until the bread is golden brown.

Take the bread out of the oven and leave to cool for 10 minutes (or longer) before cutting up and serving with butter and jelly.