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Close up view of Irish Brown Soda Bread

Irish Brown Soda Bread

Irish brown soda bread is a quick-bread made without yeast. This traditional brown bread uses baking soda as the levening agent. We added a little baking powder to give it more rise. It is naturally dense and gets its beautiful color from a dollop of molasses.
5 from 7 votes
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 1 large 10-inch round loaf
Calories: 2478kcal
Author: Pat Nyswonger

Ingredients

  • 1-¾ cups whole wheat flour
  • 1-¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup wheat bran
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 4 tablespoons cold butter
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon oats for finishing

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, reserve.
  • Add the flours, bran, salt, baking soda and baking powder to a large bowl and whisk to combine.
  • Cut the butter into bits and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles bread crumbs.
  • In a separate bowl or pitcher, whisk together the egg, buttermilk and molasses.
  • Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the buttermilk mixture. 
  • Stir the mixture together in a circular direction, beginning in the center, gradually working to the outside edge, incorporating the flour.  The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
  • Tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and using your hands, gently shape the dough into a round, pressing it to about 2-inches thick and place on the parchment paper lined baking sheet.  
  • Using a sharp knife, cut a cross on the top of the dough.  Make a small incision in each section of the cross.
  • With a silicon pastry brush, glaze the dough with additional buttermilk and sprinkle with a tablespoon of oats.
  • Transfer to the oven and and bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 400°F and bake an additional 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the bread to a wire cooling rack.
  • To check for doneness, tip the bread on its side and tap the bottom. 
  • When done, the bread will sound hollow when tapped on the bottom and an instant-read thermometer will read 200°F. 

Notes

  • Buttermilk is a vital ingredient in this recipe, no substitutions.  You can make a homemade buttermilk by combining 8 ounces whole milk with 2 tablespoons white vinegar and allowing it to sit for 30 minutes or more.  
  • When you adjust the oven temperature at the 15-minute mark, check the bread and if it is browning too quickly, cover it with a piece of foil.  
  • This bread will keep for 2-4 days. To store the bread, wrap in plastic film and keep at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 2478kcal | Carbohydrates: 397g | Protein: 77g | Fat: 75g | Saturated Fat: 41g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 337mg | Sodium: 5219mg | Potassium: 2669mg | Fiber: 41g | Sugar: 55g | Vitamin A: 2451IU | Calcium: 1272mg | Iron: 25mg