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Molasses Brown Soda Bread

A hearty and comforting molasses brown soda bread, perfect for breakfast or as an accompaniment to soups and stews. Quick to prepare, requires no yeast, and features a deliciously sweet and nutty flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
  • ¼ cup wheat germ
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 ½ cups buttermilk
  • 3 tbsp molasses
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose and whole wheat flours, wheat germ, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, molasses, and melted butter until smooth.
  4. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined into a sticky dough. Don’t overmix.
  5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured counter. Gather it together and knead only a couple of times to make a smooth ball. Pat or roll the ball into a roughly 7-inch circle.
  6. Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the dough to it. Dust the top with a bit more flour. Using a sharp knife, score a cross about 1/2 inch deep into the top.
  7. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and bake another 30–35 minutes. The loaf is done when it has a deep color and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  8. Remove from the oven and wrap the still-warm bread in a clean tea towel. Let it rest wrapped for 20–30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve with salted butter and a drizzle of extra molasses. Pairs well with hearty soups, soft cheeses, or jam for breakfast. Store at room temperature for 1–2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.