McNamara s Irish Soda Bread

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

9 tablespoons white sugar

½ teaspoon salt

3 ½ tablespoons butter, softened

½ cup milk

2 eggs

½ cup raisins

1 tablespoon white sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Grease an 8 1/2x4 1/2-inch loaf pan.

Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, 9 tablespoons sugar, and salt in the mixing bowl of a large stand mixer on low speed until combined.

Mix in butter until thoroughly combined.

Beat in milk, then eggs, then raisins, incorporating each ingredient well before adding the next.

Transfer dough to the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar.

Bake in the preheated oven until bread has risen and the top is golden brown, about 45 minutes. A toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center should come out clean.

Cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Best served warm.