In a mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine flour, baking soda and salt.
With the mixer on low, add the sugar than slowly pour in the buttermilk.
Turn the mixer to medium speed and mix until a sticky ball forms.
Continue to mix at medium speed for a minute.
Remove dough from mixer and place into prepared pan.
Press dough so that it cover the bottom of the pan.
Using a sharp knife, cut an X into the dough about 1/4 inch deep.
Cover the pan with another 9-inch cake pan that has been inverted.
Bake, covered, for 30 minutes.
Remove cover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Let cool for 5 minutes before removing bread from the cake pan.
Notes
Sweeter: Making the irish soda bread sweet, really makes it a sweet cake or tea cake. However, it does make it delicious. Consider adding things such as: raisins, sultans, currents, cranberries or other dried fruits. Also, sprinkle a little sugar on top if you wish.
Seeds: Seeds or nuts can be added to this irish soda bread recipe. Try caraway seeds, walnuts or pecans.
Butter: Feel free to add unsalted butter to this recipe to add flavor, despite not being traditional, it does taste delicious. Try 4 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter cut into the flour before adding the buttermilk.
Variation tip: Can be cooked in a cast iron skillet. Great for presentation purposes. Grandma use to make it this way.
Alternate ingredient: Honey can replace the sugar in this recipe if you prefer.
Savory: Use your favorite herbs to make a savory Irish Soda bread, for example, garlic, thyme, oregano, ect. Top with Garlic Herb Butter.