Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe is a traditional Irish bread made with whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. The bread has a hearty texture and slightly nutty flavor from the whole wheat.
It offers a satisfying taste that complements soups and stews or can be enjoyed on its own. This bread is commonly made in Irish homes and bakeries, often baked in ovens or on griddles.
Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe origins date back to the 19th century when soda bread became popular due to the availability of baking soda as a leavening agent.
Making this Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe takes about fifty minutes from start to finish. Now, I will explain how to prepare Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe.
What Makes Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Unique?
Irish wheaten soda bread recipe is unique because it uses baking soda, not yeast, as its leavening agent. The traditional recipe incorporates buttermilk, which reacts with the baking soda to form air pockets, giving the bread its characteristic light, tender crumb.
This quick, no-yeast method creates a dense yet soft texture, perfect for pairing with butter, jam, or hearty stews. The addition of whole wheat flour adds a rustic, nutty flavor, making it a staple of Irish cuisine.
What Is Irish Wheaten Soda Bread?
Irish wheaten soda bread recipe, also known as “brown soda bread,” is a type of quick bread made with whole wheat flour and baking soda as the leavening agent.
Unlike yeast breads, soda bread doesn’t need time to rise, making it a fantastic choice for a quick, homemade bread.
How To Prepare Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe?
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Course: Bread / Side dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Irish
Calories: 130 kcal
Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices)
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry cutter or clean hands
- Baking tray or loaf tin
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Wire rack for cooling
- Knife for scoring
Ingredients
- 250g (2 cups) whole wheat flour (coarse-ground if available)
- 150g (1¼ cups) plain all-purpose flour
- 50g (½ cup) rolled oats, plus extra for topping
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional for light sweetness)
- 50g (3½ tbsp) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 400ml (1⅔ cups) buttermilk (plus 1–2 tbsp extra if needed)
- Optional: 1 tbsp sunflower seeds or flaxseeds for extra texture
How to Make Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) fan or 220°C (430°F) conventional. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly flour it if using directly. You can also use a lightly greased loaf tin.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, plain flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Stir well. Add in the butter cubes and rub them into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Add Buttermilk
Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Mix quickly but gently using a wooden spoon or your hand to form a soft dough. Add a bit more buttermilk if the dough feels dry—don’t overmix.
Step 4: Shape and Score
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a round loaf or press into the loaf tin. If forming a round loaf, place it on the prepared tray and flatten slightly. Dust with oats and score a deep cross on top using a sharp knife (about 1.5 cm deep).
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes. The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped underneath. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Recipe Notes
Using whole wheat (wholemeal) flour gives the bread its characteristic hearty texture and flavor. If you prefer a lighter crumb, you can increase the amount of plain flour slightly, but don’t replace it entirely or the bread will lose its wheaten quality.
Depending on the flour and oat absorbency, the dough might need a little more or less buttermilk. Aim for a soft, slightly sticky dough not dry or crumbly. Add the buttermilk gradually to avoid making it too wet.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are a few of my favorite serving ideas:
Pair your wheaten soda bread with a traditional Irish breakfast. Serve with eggs, sausages, rashers (Irish bacon), black pudding, grilled tomatoes, and a cup of strong tea.
The dense texture of this bread makes it perfect for soaking up hearty stews or soups. I love to serve it with a bowl of vegetable soup or a classic beef and Guinness stew.
For a quick breakfast or snack, slice a piece of the soda bread, toast it, and spread with butter and your favorite jam or marmalade. Simple, but delicious!
Health Benefits Of Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe
With whole wheat flour as the main ingredient, this bread offers dietary fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals that support a balanced diet.
Whole wheat flour is rich in fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you full longer. It’s also a good source of B vitamins, iron, and magnesium.
Compared to white bread, wheaten soda bread is more nutrient-dense and contains fewer processed ingredients, making it a healthier option for daily consumption.
Tips & Tricks
➢ Sifting the whole wheat and plain flour helps remove any lumps and aerates the flour, resulting in a lighter, softer bread texture.
➢ Incorporate sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or chopped walnuts into the dough for a delightful texture contrast and nutritional boost.
➢ Cold buttermilk can slow the rising process. Using it slightly warmed (not hot) helps activate the baking soda better and promotes even rising.
➢ Cut a deep cross on the top of the dough before baking. This helps the bread expand evenly and also creates that traditional rustic look.
➢ Placing your loaf on a hot baking stone or tray mimics a traditional oven setup, giving the bread a better crust and a nice rise.
Optional Add-Ins And Variations
➤ Dried Fruit: Add ½ cup of raisins, currants, or chopped dried apricots for a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
➤ Nuts and Seeds: Stir in ¼ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds, or sprinkle sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or pumpkin seeds into the dough for extra crunch and nutrition.
➤ Herbs and Spices: Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or mixed herbs for a savory twist. Ground cinnamon or nutmeg works well if you want a warm, spiced flavor.
➤ Cheese: Fold in ½ cup of grated sharp cheddar or parmesan for a rich, savory soda bread.
➤ Oat Flour Boost: Replace up to 50g of whole wheat flour with oat flour to enhance the oat flavor and tenderness.
➤ Honey or Molasses: Swap brown sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of honey or molasses for a deeper, richer sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice per cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using it in the recipe.
Can I make this bread without oats?
Yes, you can omit the oats if you prefer. The oats add a nice texture and flavor, but the bread will still turn out delicious without them.
Is Irish soda bread supposed to be sweet?
Traditional Irish soda bread is not very sweet, but some versions, like wheaten soda bread, may include a little sugar or honey for a mild sweetness. You can adjust the sugar to your taste.
How should I store Irish soda bread?
Store soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3 months.
Can I make Irish soda bread with whole wheat flour only?
Yes, you can use all whole wheat flour for a denser, heartier loaf. However, many recipes use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter texture. You can experiment to see what you prefer!
Closing
I hope my easy and delicious method for making Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe was helpful to you. After baking, the Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe turns out wonderfully soft inside with a slightly crisp crust.
The wholesome flavor of the whole wheat combined with the subtle tang from the buttermilk makes every bite enjoyable.
Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe a comforting, satisfying bread that pairs well with many meals or can be savored on its own. I’m sure you will enjoy it as much as I do!
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Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry cutter or clean hands
- Baking tray or loaf tin
- parchment paper, (optional)
- Wire rack for cooling
- Knife for scoring
Ingredients
- 250 g 2 cups whole wheat flour (coarse-ground if available)
- 150 g 1¼ cups plain all-purpose flour
- 50 g ½ cup rolled oats, plus extra for topping
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp brown sugar optional for light sweetness
- 50 g 3½ tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 400 ml 1⅔ cups buttermilk (plus 1–2 tbsp extra if needed)
- Optional: 1 tbsp sunflower seeds or flaxseeds for extra texture
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) fan or 220°C (430°F) conventional. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly flour it if using directly. You can also use a lightly greased loaf tin.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, plain flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Stir well. Add in the butter cubes and rub them into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Add Buttermilk
- Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Mix quickly but gently using a wooden spoon or your hand to form a soft dough. Add a bit more buttermilk if the dough feels dry—don’t overmix.
Step 4: Shape and Score
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a round loaf or press into the loaf tin. If forming a round loaf, place it on the prepared tray and flatten slightly. Dust with oats and score a deep cross on top using a sharp knife (about 1.5 cm deep).
Step 5: Bake and Cool
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes. The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped underneath. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.