Chef John's Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

• 3.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups whole wheat flour
• 0.25 cups rolled oats
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1.25 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.25 cups cold unsalted butter , cut into small cubes
• 1.75 cups buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons honey , or more to taste
• 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
• 1 cup dried currants
• 0.33 cups golden raisins

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. 2

   Whisk all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, oats, salt, baking soda, and baking powder together in a large bowl. Cut butter into flour mixture using a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. 3

   Beat buttermilk, egg, honey, and orange zest together in a medium bowl. Pour buttermilk mixture, currants, and raisins into flour-butter mixture; stir with a wooden spoon until a wet, sticky dough comes together.

4. 4

   Turn dough out onto a well-floured work surface; press dough together into a ball and cut into 2 equal pieces. Form each into a smooth, round loaf.

5. 5

   Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and let rest for 15 minutes. Cut a 1/2-inch-deep "X" into the top of each loaf using a serrated knife.

6. 6

   Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and fragrant, about 45 minutes. Transfer loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

7. 7

   Enjoy!