If you’ve ever dreamt of bringing the warm, comforting taste of Ireland into your kitchen, look no further than this Irish Wheaten Soda Bread recipe.
This Irish wheaten soda bread recipe rustic, hearty bread is a staple in Irish households and requires no yeast, making it an easy and quick recipe to bake at home.
With its soft crumb, slightly nutty flavor, and golden-brown crust, this traditional bread will transport your taste buds straight to the Emerald Isle.
In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make this deliciously simple Irish soda bread with whole wheat flour.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this Irish wheaten soda bread recipe is perfect for anyone who loves homemade bread without the hassle of yeast or rising time.
What Is Irish Wheaten Soda Bread?
Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Reecipe (also known as Brown Soda Bread) is a variant of the classic Irish Soda Bread, but with the addition of whole wheat flour.
Traditionally, it’s made with just a few basic ingredients: flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and salt. It’s the baking soda that gives the bread its rise, and the buttermilk provides acidity to activate the soda, creating a beautiful, tender crumb and slightly tangy flavor.
In Ireland, soda bread is often eaten with butter or used to scoop up stews, soups, or creamy cheeses. This bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
How To Prepare Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Bread
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Irish
Yield: 1 loaf
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Baking sheet or cast-iron skillet
- Sharp knife (for scoring)
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups (150g) whole wheat flour
- 112g plain white flour (approximately 1 cup)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 30g salted butter (cold)
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons dark molasses
- 1 tablespoon rolled oats (for sprinkling on top)
- 1 ½ teaspoons honey or brown sugar (for slight sweetness)
How to Make Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, plain white flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Cut in Butter & Oil
Add the cold salted butter and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Molasses & Sweetener
Stir in the dark molasses and honey (or brown sugar) for a hint of sweetness.
5. Add Buttermilk
Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough comes together. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too dry, add a little more buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time.
6. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it very gently for about 1 minute, just until it holds together. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can make the bread dense.
7. Shape the Dough
Form the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score the top of the loaf with a deep “X” to help it bake evenly.
8. Sprinkle Oats & Bake
Sprinkle the top of the loaf with the rolled oats for added texture and a rustic finish. Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. Slice and serve warm with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.
Nutritional Amount Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Tips for Perfect Irish Wheaten Soda Bread
1. Use Fresh Buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk is essential to activate the baking soda, so always use fresh buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with 1 ¼ cups milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar.
2. Avoid Overworking the Dough: Soda bread is meant to have a dense, rustic crumb, so don’t knead the dough too much. Overworking it can result in a tough loaf.
3. Adjust for Flour: Depending on the moisture content of your flour, you may need a bit more or less buttermilk. Aim for a sticky dough that holds together but isn’t too wet.
4. Serve Fresh: While soda bread is delicious on its own, it’s best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store it wrapped in a clean tea towel for up to 2-3 days.
What Makes It So Special?
What makes Irish wheaten soda bread recipe so special is its simplicity and heartiness. Unlike yeasted breads, it relies on baking soda and buttermilk to rise, creating a dense yet soft crumb with a slightly nutty flavor from the whole wheat flour.
Irish wheaten soda bread recipe quick to make, with no kneading or long rising times, which makes it ideal for a cozy, homemade bread experience.
The rustic, slightly sweet flavor and golden, crispy crust are perfect for everything from a traditional Irish breakfast to a casual snack, making it a beloved staple in many kitchens.
Is Wheaten Bread Healthy?
Yes, wheaten bread can be a healthy choice, especially when made with whole wheat flour. Whole wheat flour is rich in fiber, which aids digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes heart health by lowering cholesterol.
It also contains more vitamins and minerals compared to white flour, particularly B-vitamins, iron, and magnesium.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Irish Wheaten Soda Bread without buttermilk?
Yes! You can substitute with regular milk by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to create a similar effect.
What’s the difference between white soda bread and wheaten soda bread?
White soda bread uses only white flour, while wheaten soda bread includes whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and nutty flavor.
How long does wheaten soda bread last?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can last for 2-3 days when stored properly or longer if frozen.
Why is the dough not rising much in the oven?
Soda bread typically has a lower rise than yeast bread. Make sure your baking soda is fresh, and the oven is fully preheated.
Can I add seeds or nuts to the bread?
Absolutely! Adding seeds or chopped nuts can enhance the flavor and add extra texture.
Final Thoughts
Irish wheaten soda bread recipe is a timeless classic that offers both simplicity and flavor. Its easy preparation and wholesome ingredients make it a perfect choice for anyone looking to bake a rustic, satisfying loaf without the hassle of yeast or long rising times.
Enjoying it with a traditional Irish breakfast, pairing it with soups and stews, or savoring a slice with butter and jam, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
I hope you’ve found this recipe both inspiring and enjoyable, and I encourage you to experiment with it—add your own twists or keep it traditional. Happy baking!
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Irish Wheaten Soda Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Baking sheet or cast-iron skillet
- Sharp knife (for scoring)
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups 150g whole wheat flour
- 112 g plain white flour approximately 1 cup
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 30 g salted butter cold
- 1 cup 240ml buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons dark molasses
- 1 tablespoon rolled oats for sprinkling on top
- 1 ½ teaspoons honey or brown sugar for slight sweetness
Instructions
Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, plain white flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Cut in Butter & Oil
- Add the cold salted butter and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Molasses & Sweetener
- Stir in the dark molasses and honey (or brown sugar) for a hint of sweetness.
Add Buttermilk
- Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough comes together. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too dry, add a little more buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time.
Knead the Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it very gently for about 1 minute, just until it holds together. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can make the bread dense.
Shape the Dough
- Form the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score the top of the loaf with a deep “X” to help it bake evenly.
Sprinkle Oats & Bake
- Sprinkle the top of the loaf with the rolled oats for added texture and a rustic finish. Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. Slice and serve warm with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.