Molasses Brown Soda Bread Recipe

Introduction

Molasses Brown Soda Bread is a hearty, wholesome loaf with a subtle sweetness and tender crumb. Combining whole wheat flour, wheat germ, and rich molasses, this quick bread is perfect for a cozy breakfast or alongside a warm meal.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 ¾ cups (210 g) whole wheat flour
• ¼ cup (20 g) wheat germ
• 1 ½ tsp (9 g) baking soda
• 1 tsp (6 g) salt
• 1 ½ cup (375 ml) buttermilk
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) molasses
• 2 tbsp (28 g) butter, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, wheat germ, baking soda, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, molasses, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. The dough will be sticky but manageable.
4. Step 4: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it just a couple of times to bring it together into a smooth ball—avoid over-kneading to keep the bread tender.
5. Step 5: Pat the dough into a 7-inch (18 cm) diameter circle. Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the dough onto it.
6. Step 6: Dust the top of the dough with a bit more flour, then use a sharp knife to score a cross about ½ inch (1.3 cm) deep into the top of the dough. This helps the bread bake evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake the bread in the preheated oven at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Step 8: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel to cool. The steam will soften the crust for a lovely texture. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, substitute the buttermilk with a mixture of plant-based milk and lemon juice or vinegar.
• Adding a handful of raisins or chopped nuts can add texture and extra flavor.
• Use freshly sifted flour for lighter texture and better rise.
• Rest the dough for 10 minutes before shaping to improve moisture absorption.

Storage

Store the soda bread wrapped in a tea towel or in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep the crust crisp. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw completely and warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Regular milk can be used if you add 1 ½ teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 ½ cups of milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes to sour. This homemade buttermilk substitute works well in the recipe.

Why does soda bread use baking soda instead of yeast?

Soda bread relies on baking soda as a leavening agent because it reacts quickly with acidic ingredients like buttermilk to produce carbon dioxide, which helps the bread rise without the need for yeast or long fermentation.

Molasses Brown Soda Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 102 reviews

This Molasses Brown Soda Bread is a hearty and flavorful Irish-style bread combining all-purpose and whole wheat flours, enriched with wheat germ and sweetened with molasses. Easy to prepare with no yeast required, it features a tender crumb and a slightly sweet, rich molasses flavor. Perfect for breakfast or alongside soups and stews.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 ¾ cups (210 g) whole wheat flour
• ¼ cup (20 g) wheat germ
• 1 ½ tsp (9 g) baking soda
• 1 tsp (6 g) salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 ½ cup (375 ml) buttermilk
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) molasses
• 2 tbsp (28 g) butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to create a good crust on the bread.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, wheat germ, baking soda, and salt. Stir these together until evenly mixed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, molasses, and melted butter until fully blended.
4. Form the Dough: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, forming a rough dough.
5. Knead Lightly: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just a couple of times until it forms a smooth ball. Avoid over-kneading to keep the bread tender.
6. Shape Dough: Pat the dough into a 7-inch (18 cm) circle.
7. Prepare for Baking: Lightly flour a baking sheet, transfer the dough onto it, and dust the top with flour. Using a sharp knife, score a cross about ½ inch (1.25 cm) deep into the top of the dough. This helps with even baking and traditional presentation.
8. Initial Bake: Bake the bread at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes to set the crust.
9. Reduce Heat and Continue Baking: Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Cool the Bread: Remove from the oven and immediately wrap the bread in a clean tea towel. Allow it to cool this way; the steam will soften the crust, producing a tender exterior.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and enjoy your molasses brown soda bread fresh or toasted, ideal with butter or alongside soups and stews.

Notes

• Use freshly sifted flour for best texture.
• Do not over-knead the dough to keep the bread light and tender.
• Buttermilk can be substituted by adding 1 ½ cups milk plus 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice or vinegar, let sit 5 minutes to curdle.
• For a more intense molasses flavor, you can add an additional tablespoon.
• The wrapped tea towel cooling method helps keep the crust soft.

Keywords: molasses brown soda bread, Irish soda bread, whole wheat bread, easy bread recipe, quick bread, molasses bread