Name: Molasses Brown Soda Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490407H57M3S
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Irish
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

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Introduction

Molasses Brown Soda Bread is a hearty, slightly sweet loaf that brings together the wholesome flavors of whole wheat and molasses. This quick bread uses baking soda instead of yeast, making it perfect for a cozy, no-fuss baking day.

A rustic brown loaf of bread with a rough, textured crust sits on a round wooden board with visible bark edges. One thick slice is cut and placed in front of the loaf, spread with uneven swirls of creamy, pale yellow butter. The scene includes a dark background with autumn elements like pinecones and dried branches, with a lit candle in a dark holder adding a warm glow. The setup rests on a dark wood surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat the 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 well to mix the dry ingredients evenly.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, molasses, and melted butter until smooth. Pour this liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, forming a dough.
Step 3: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently bring it together and knead only a couple of times to create a smooth ball. Avoid over-kneading to keep the bread tender.
Step 4: Shape the dough into a 7-inch (about 18 cm) diameter circle. Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the dough onto it. Dust the top of the dough with a little flour.
Step 5: Using a sharp knife, score a cross about ½ inch (1.3 cm) deep into the top of the dough. This helps the bread bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 30 to 35 minutes, until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 7: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel to cool. The steam trapped by the towel will soften the crust for a perfect texture. Enjoy your soda bread warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt thinned with a little milk if buttermilk is not available.
For extra texture, consider adding a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the dough before baking.
If you prefer a more pronounced molasses flavor, increase the molasses to 4 tablespoons.
Use a cast-iron skillet instead of a baking sheet to get a crisper crust.

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 and the inside moist. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven until warm before serving.

How to Serve

A single round loaf of dark brown bread with a rough texture and a cracked top, dusted with a light coating of white flour, sits on a thick wooden slice with bark edges. The bread has three large deep cracks running across the top, revealing a denser, moist interior underneath. The background includes autumn leaves and pinecones with a dark, natural setting, but the bread and wooden slice are the clear focus of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour only?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour entirely, but using whole wheat flour and wheat germ adds nuttiness and a richer texture to the bread.

What if I don’t have molasses?

If molasses is unavailable, you can substitute with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup, although the flavor will be slightly different and less robust.