Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Lightly dust a surface with flour.

Sift the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl then whisk until well combined.

Make a well in the center of the Soda Bread dry ingredients and slowly pour in the buttermilk. Quickly mix with a rubber spatula for about 20 seconds until the mixture just becomes shaggy. AVOID OVER MIXING! Add the currents or raisins and toss the Irish Soda Bread dough using clean hands until distributed evenly. Again, don't over toss!

Next, turn the dough onto the floured surface and knead five turns or until the dough just sticks together. Form the easy Irish Soda Bread into a ball and place on the prepared baking sheet. Score the top of the bread with a knife and place immediately into the preheated oven.

Bake for 40 minutes or until the loaf splits at the cross, the crust is well browned, and has risen. Tap on it with a spoon. It will sound hollow inside.

Place on a baking rack and let it cool slightly bore slicing.

Use a serrated knife to slice using a sawing motion to avoid flattening the bread.

Serve warm or cooled with irish butter.

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.