Classic Irish Soda Bread

Source: Cooks Illustrated
Makes: One Loaf (about one pound)

3 c (15 oz) all-purpose flour
1 c (4 oz) plain cake flour
2 T sugar
1 1/2 t baking soda
1 1/2 t cream of tartar
1 1/2 t salt
2 T butter, softened plus 1 T melted butter for crust
1 1/2 c buttermilk

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and adjust oven rack to upper-middle position. Whisk flours, sugar, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt in a large bowl. Work softened butter into dry ingredients until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the buttermilk and stir with the whisk just until the dough comes together. Turn out on a flour coated surface and knead just until the dough becomes cohesive and bumpy. Do not knead until smooth or the bread will be tough.
Pat dough into a 6 inch round and about 2 inches high and place onto a greased baking sheet. Score a 3/4" cross on top. Bake until the loaf is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40-45 minutes.
Remove the loaf from the oven and brush with melted butter. Let cool to room temperature prior to serving.