Authentic Crumbly The Quickest Irish Soda Bread Loaf

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly flour it.
2. In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution.
3. If using, toss the raisins or currants into the sifted dry mixture to coat them evenly.
4. Create a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in all the buttermilk.
5. Using a fork or a light hand, mix quickly until the mixture is just combined and shaggy. Stop mixing immediately when no dry flour streaks remain to prevent developing tough gluten.
6. Lightly flour your hands and work surface. Gently turn the dough out and knead minimally (2-3 turns maximum) just to bring it into a rough, round ball, about 1.5 inches thick. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Using a sharp knife, deeply score a cross (+) into the top of the loaf, cutting about halfway through the dough.
8. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The crust should be deep golden brown and the loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Transfer the loaf immediately to a wire rack to cool. Serve warm, preferably slathered with butter.