Nana’s Sweet Irish soda bread (Currant cake

🍞 Nana’s Sweet Irish Soda Bread (Currant Cake Style)

This is a classic Irish treat—slightly sweet, tender, and studded with juicy currants. Perfect for breakfast, tea, or just a comforting snack.

🧾 Ingredients

• 4 cups All-Purpose Flour

• 1 tsp Baking Soda

• 1 tsp Salt

• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar

• 1/4 cup Butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups Buttermilk

• 1 cup Currants

• Optional: 1 tsp Mixed Spice (cinnamon, nutmeg)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a baking tray or line with parchment.

2. Mix dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, and mixed spice if using.

3. Cut in butter
   Rub the softened butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Add currants and stir to distribute evenly.

5. Add buttermilk
   Gradually add buttermilk, mixing until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix.

6. Shape the dough
   Form into a round loaf and place on the baking tray. Use a knife to score a deep “X” on top—this helps it bake evenly.

7. Bake
   Bake for 35–45 minutes, until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean.

8. Cool
   Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

🍯 Serving Tips

• Spread with Butter, Honey, or Jam

• Pairs beautifully with Tea or coffee

👍 Extra Nana Tips

• For a more tender loaf, don’t over-knead.

• Currants can be soaked in warm water or rum for 10 minutes to plump them up.

• A sprinkle of sugar on top before baking adds a crisp, sweet crust.

If you like, I can also give you a gluten-free version that still tastes like traditional Nana’s soda bread. 🍞✨