Irish Soda Bread with Raisins

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and thoroughly grease an 8-inch round pan with butter. Set the pan aside. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and white sugar in a large mixing bowl.
2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Set aside 1/4 cup of buttermilk and pour the remaining buttermilk into the well in the dry ingredients. 
3. Mix lightly with a wooden spoon to form a loose dough, adding the rest of the buttermilk ONLY if necessary. Stir in the raisins. Scoop the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle raw sugar generously over the top.
4. Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes and then reduce the heat to 300°F for an additional 25 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and crisp to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
5. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Slice into 8-12 pieces and serve with butter.