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Molasses Brown Soda Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 126 reviews

This Molasses Brown Soda Bread is a wholesome, rustic loaf combining the rich flavors of molasses and whole wheat flour. Easy to prepare without yeast, this quick bread has a soft interior with a slightly crisp crust, perfect for hearty breakfasts or as a comforting side with soups and stews.

Ingredients

Scale

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 and Mix Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, wheat germ, baking soda, and salt. Stir them together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
  2. Prepare Wet Ingredients and Combine: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, molasses, and melted butter until smooth. Pour this mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir just until all ingredients are combined and form a dough.
  3. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Bring it together gently and knead just two or three times, enough to smooth the dough but not overwork it. Shape the dough into a round ball and then pat it out to form a 7-inch diameter circle.
  4. Score the Dough: Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the shaped dough onto it. Dust the top of the dough with a bit of flour. Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross about ½ inch deep into the top of the dough. This helps the bread expand during baking.
  5. Bake the Bread: Bake the bread initially at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Then lower the oven 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 and the crust is golden brown.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel while it cools. The trapped steam softens the crust slightly, giving the bread a tender exterior. Slice and enjoy fresh or with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 ½ tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 ½ cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • Do not over-knead the dough as it can make the bread dense and tough.
  • For a slightly sweeter bread, you can increase the molasses up to 4 tablespoons.
  • Allow the bread to cool wrapped in a towel for a softer crust. For a crunchier crust, cool the bread uncovered on a wire rack.

Keywords: soda bread, molasses bread, whole wheat bread, Irish bread, no yeast bread, quick bread

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/molasses-brown-soda-bread-recipe/