Irish Soda Bread

Steps

• 1

  Preheat oven to 375°F. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine Gold Medal™ flour, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Gradually add in butter and mix with paddle attachment until crumbly.
• 2

  In a small, separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg. Pour into flour mixture and mix until just combined. The dough should be shaggy and a little wet, but not too much. If it's so wet that you can't hold it in your hands, add 1 tbsp flour at a time until it comes together. Do not knead.
• 3

  Fold in raisins, if desired.
• 4

  Shape dough into a round loaf and place in the center of a lightly greased cast-iron pan or a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Cut a 1/4-inch deep cross on the top of the loaf. Bake 30-35 minutes or until golden brown (you may need to tent aluminum foil over the top of the loaf in the oven if it's browning too fast).
• 5

  Serve warm.