If you’ve ever tasted the nutty, dense, and slightly sweet flavor of Irish wheaten soda bread recipe, then you know just how comforting it can be.
It’s a traditional Irish bread made with whole wheat flour and baked without yeast, relying instead on baking soda to rise.
This simple Irish wheaten soda bread recipe, rustic bread is perfect for breakfast, a side with soup, or toasted with a bit of butter.
Today, I’m going to share my favorite recipe for Irish wheaten soda bread recipe, complete with easy-to-follow steps and a few personal tips to make it extra special.
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: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Course: Bread / Side dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Irish
Calories: 130 kcal
Yield: Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices)
Equipment Needed
- A mixing bowl
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- A baking sheet or loaf pan
- A sharp knife (for scoring the dough)
- An oven
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups (420g) stoneground whole wheat flour
- 1 ¾ cups (210g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¾ cup quick-cooking oats
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup dark molasses
- 1 ½ teaspoons rolled oats (for sprinkling over the top of the loaf)
- 3 tablespoons cold butter
- 2 ½ cups (600ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 ½ tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute)
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey (optional, for slight sweetness)
How to Make Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe
1. Preheat: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line a baking sheet.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, oats, and sugar.
3. Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter and rub it into the dry ingredients with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the molasses, buttermilk, and honey (if using). Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix.
5. Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf.
6. Score the loaf: Place the loaf on the baking sheet and use a sharp knife to score an “X” on the top.
7. Sprinkle oats: Sprinkle the rolled oats over the top of the loaf for a rustic finish.
8. Bake: Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty bread 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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
Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe is a timeless and versatile recipe that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s perfect for home bakers of all levels.
The combination of whole wheat flour, oats, and buttermilk creates a hearty, flavorful loaf with a light, tender crumb that’s perfect for enjoying on its own or paired with soups, stews, or cheese.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or as a comforting everyday treat, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Enjoy the wholesome goodness of this traditional Irish classic!
More Delicious Wheat Bread Recipes You’ll Love
Simple Banana And Cranberry Bread Recipe
Delicious Banana Bread Recipe with Cream Cheese Filling
Cheese And Onion Bread Recipe – Perfectly Baked
Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread Recipe || Delightful Treat
Homemade Fluffy Wheat Bread Recipe Delight
Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe
Equipment
- A mixing bowl
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- A baking sheet or loaf pan
- A sharp knife (for scoring the dough)
- An oven
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups 420g stoneground whole wheat flour
- 1 ¾ cups 210g all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¾ cup quick-cooking oats
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup dark molasses
- 1 ½ teaspoons rolled oats for sprinkling over the top of the loaf
- 3 tablespoons cold butter
- 2 ½ cups 600ml buttermilk (or milk + 1 ½ tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute)
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey optional, for slight sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line a baking sheet.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, oats, and sugar.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter and rub it into the dry ingredients with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the molasses, buttermilk, and honey (if using). Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf.
- Score the loaf: Place the loaf on the baking sheet and use a sharp knife to score an “X” on the top.
- Sprinkle oats: Sprinkle the rolled oats over the top of the loaf for a rustic finish.
- Bake: Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.