If you’re looking for a cozy, wholesome treat that’s packed with rich flavor and nostalgia, this Soda Bread with Molasses Recipe is exactly the comfort food you need. The combination of hearty flours, the subtle nuttiness of oats, and the deep, sweet hint of molasses makes every bite utterly irresistible. Whether you’re new to soda bread or an old fan, this recipe promises a tender, slightly sweet loaf with a beautifully crisp crust that’s perfect fresh from the oven or toasted the next day. Let me show you how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just simple pantry staples that work their magic to give you that perfect homemade bread. Each element plays a crucial role from texture to taste and even appearance.
- 2 cups all purpose flour: Provides structure and softness, helping the bread rise just right.
- 2 cups whole wheat flour: Adds earthiness and fiber for a nutritious, hearty crumb.
- 1/2 cup rolled oats: Brings a lovely chewiness and rustic charm to the bread’s texture.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the dough balanced.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Your natural leavening agent, giving that characteristic lift and airy crumb.
- 1 2/3 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture, tang, and tenderizes the loaf wonderfully.
- 2 tablespoons molasses (black treacle): The star ingredient that infuses the bread with its signature sweetness and deep color.
How to Make Soda Bread with Molasses Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Kick things off by setting your oven to a toasty 450F (230C) so it’s ready to bake your bread to perfection. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to keep your loaf from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the all purpose flour, whole wheat flour, oats, salt, and baking soda. Mixing the dry ingredients well ensures an even rise and balanced flavors throughout the loaf.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Make a well in the center of your dry mix, then pour in the buttermilk and molasses. These two bring the bread’s tender crumb and that luscious molasses bitterness you’re after.
Step 4: Combine All Together
Using a fork, stir the liquid gently, drawing in flour bit by bit from the edges. This slow combination helps to avoid overworking the dough, keeping your bread soft once baked.
Step 5: Knead the Dough
Lightly flour your hands and knead the dough just enough to bring it together into a soft ball. Too much kneading can make soda bread tough, so be gentle here.
Step 6: Shape and Score
Shape your dough into a round and place it onto the prepared baking tray. Flatten the dough slightly to about 2 inches thick. Take a sharp, long-bladed knife and cut a deep cross into the top—the iconic soda bread mark that helps it cook evenly.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Bake the bread at 450F (230C) for 15 minutes to get that initial rise and crust forming. Then, reduce the temperature to 400F (200C) and continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the base sounds hollow after a gentle tap.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack and let it cool slightly. The aroma alone is worth the wait. Serve warm to enjoy the soft crumb and just the right molasses sweetness.
How to Serve Soda Bread with Molasses Recipe
Garnishes
A simple slather of butter highlights the bread’s slightly sweet and nutty tones beautifully, or for a bit of indulgence, spread cream cheese or honey butter. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be sprinkled on the butter for an aromatic twist.
Side Dishes
This soda bread pairs wonderfully with hearty soups like tomato stew, lentil soup, or a classic Irish stew. It’s also fabulous alongside a creamy cheese board or sharp cheddar for a simple snack that feels indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing thick wedges for an open-faced sandwich topped with smoked salmon and dill or avocado and poached eggs. Toast slices lightly and use as a base for rich jams and preserves during breakfast or afternoon tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover soda bread tightly in a clean tea towel or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 2 days and can be toasted again to revive crispness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this soda bread later, slice it first, then freeze the pieces in a resealable freezer bag. This way, you can grab slices and toast only what you need without thawing the whole loaf.
Reheating
To reheat, pop slices or the whole loaf in a warm oven or toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through and just crisp on the outside. This refreshes the bread beautifully and lifts the molasses flavor refreshed.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While buttermilk adds a tangy richness essential to soda bread’s flavor and texture, you can substitute milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.
Why is there a cross cut on the top of the soda bread?
The cross lets steam escape during baking and helps the bread cook evenly inside. It’s also a traditional symbol historically thought to bless the bread and protect the household.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Traditional soda bread relies on gluten for structure, so using gluten-free flours will require some recipe adjustments and possibly added binding agents like xanthan gum; experimentation would be needed for best results.
How long does soda bread stay fresh?
Soda bread is best eaten within two days of baking for optimal freshness and flavor, but freezing can extend its shelf life significantly without sacrificing texture.
Is molasses necessary for this recipe?
Molasses is key for that distinct deep sweetness and flavorful depth that makes this soda bread special. You could substitute with dark honey or maple syrup but expect a slightly different taste and color.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope this Soda Bread with Molasses Recipe finds a happy spot in your kitchen and heart. It’s the kind of bread that brings warmth to your table and comfort to your soul, perfect for any day you want a little homemade magic. Give it a go, share it, and enjoy the simple, rich pleasures of baking bread from scratch.
Print
Soda Bread with Molasses Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rustic and hearty soda bread made with a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flours, rolled oats, and enriched with the deep sweetness of molasses. This quick bread uses baking soda as a leavening agent and buttermilk for moistness and tang, resulting in a dense yet tender loaf perfect for serving warm with butter or alongside soups and stews.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons molasses (black treacle)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper for the bread.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, rolled oats, salt, and baking soda to ensure even distribution of leavening and salt.
- Create a Well: Make a well in the center of the dry mix and pour in the buttermilk and molasses, which provide moisture and sweetness to the bread.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Using a fork, slowly stir the liquids while gradually incorporating the flour from the edges to form a dough without overmixing.
- Knead the Dough: Lightly dust your hands with flour and gently knead the dough until it forms a soft, cohesive ball, avoiding overworking which can toughen the bread.
- Shape and Score the Bread: Form the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared parchment paper. Press it down to about 2 inches (5cm) thick, then use a sharp, long-bladed knife to cut a deep cross on top to help even baking and expansion.
- Bake at High Temperature: Place the bread in the oven for 15 minutes at 450°F (230°C) to start the rise and crust formation.
- Reduce Heat and Continue Baking: Lower the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the base, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Transfer the loaf to a wire rack and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the buttermilk is fresh for proper rise and flavor.
- Do not over-knead the dough to keep the bread tender.
- Cutting the cross on top helps the bread cook evenly and allows steam to escape.
- Soda bread is best enjoyed the day it is made but can be lightly toasted the next day.
- Molasses can be substituted with dark corn syrup or honey if unavailable, but molasses gives the characteristic flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
