Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe
Irish Wheaten Soda Bread is a hearty, rustic bread made with whole wheat flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and a pinch of salt. The soda acts as a leavening agent, giving the bread its dense yet tender texture. It's typically served alongside soups or stews for a traditional Irish meal.
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.