Chef John's Irish Soda Bread

Recipe View Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. (5 minutes)

Recipe View In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, oats, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. (10 minutes)

Recipe View In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, honey, and orange zest. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then add the currants and golden raisins. Stir with a wooden spoon until just combined, forming a wet, sticky dough. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Gently press it into a ball and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth, round loaf. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Transfer the loaves to the prepared baking sheet and let them rest for 15 minutes. Using a serrated knife, cut a 1/2-inch-deep 'X' into the top of each loaf. (20 minutes)

Recipe View Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. (45 minutes)

Recipe View Transfer the baked loaves to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before slicing and serving. (60 minutes)