Irish Brown Bread is, at its heart, just soda bread made with half whole wheat flour. This particular version ads oats and a bit of molasses, but would probably be made with treacle in the UK. (You try to find treacle in the U.S. I dare you!)
The molasses ads just a hint of sweetness, while the oats give the bread a hint of nuttiness. Brown soda bread is perfect warm from the oven slathered in butter or jam, but just as good the next day made into French toast or cinnamon bread. No matter how you use it, it’s sure to be a treat for the whole family.
Irish brown bread is also called Wheaten Bread or just Brown Bread in the UK. Like its cousins, it’s a quick bread that uses baking soda as a leavener and generally uses buttermilk. This particular recipe calls for sour cream and milk, but only because I was out of buttermilk and needed a substitute. If you happen to have buttermilk on hand, simply substitute 1 3/4 cups buttermilk for the sour cream and milk.
The secret to a great soda bread is to never overwork the dough. A gently worked dough will result in a light, airy bread. An overworked dough will yield a dense, wet loaf that you won’t enjoy much. Remember this simple rule and you’ll end up with a hearty, rustic loaf of heartwarming brown soda bread that’s sure to be a hit.
And don’t skip on the Irish butter and some good jam.
Brown Soda Bread with Molasses
Ingredients
Instructions
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8 Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 297Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 567mgCarbohydrates: 57gFiber: 5gSugar: 5gProtein: 9g
What I would have done differently had I thought of it at the time:
I think a bit more molasses… But that’s just my sweet tooth talking.
Links to other recipes like brown soda bread:
- Traditional Irish Soda Bread
- Another Soda Bread, from The Way the Cookie Crumbles
- Irish Brown Soda and Oats Bread, from Pots and Pins
Nothing beats a good homemade bread right out of the oven, yum!
Thank you for not making us track down treacle!
What a beautiful loaf of bread! I’ve never had soda bread before but it looks like something I definitely need to try making.
I’ve never had this before, but it looks really easy! Would make for a great appetizer :D
I have had Irish soda bread before but never thought ofmaking it at home. This is a great recipe and you make it look delicious.
I love bread. I mean, I love bread more than Oprah does these days. LOL I know I’d love to have a big piece of this bread with any meal, and I’m sure she would, too! :o)
I love baking my own bread! It’s so satisfying!
I have made this bread a half dozen times. And never the same way twice. No sour cream, I soured milk. No oatmeal I used wheat germ. This recipe has never let me down. It always turns out great and delishous. The only thing I have never gotten right is that cross in the top. Mine never looks as high as the picture. I have even double the soda. Still no success. It’s not imperative to a great loaf of bread, I’d just like to be as successful as Uncle Jerry. Any hints?
Brenda,
So glad this recipe has worked well for you!
As for the rise, adding more acid would be the way to go, rather than adding more soda. Try adding in 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. That should give more lift.