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Molasses Brown Soda Bread

Rustic no-yeast Irish-inspired brown soda bread enriched with molasses and oats for deep flavor and hearty texture—perfect for autumn.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: Autumn, Irish
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup rolled oats plus extra for topping
  • 1.5 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
Other
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
  • 1.75 cups buttermilk
  • 0.25 cup molasses

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet or cast-iron skillet
  • Pastry cutter or fingertips
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare baking sheet or skillet.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, oats, baking soda, salt.
  3. Rub in cold butter until crumbly.
  4. Whisk buttermilk and molasses; pour into well in dry mix. Stir to form shaggy dough.
  5. Shape into round loaf, place on sheet/skillet, slash cross on top, sprinkle oats.
  6. Bake 35-45 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding. Cool on rack.

Notes

Do not overmix dough for tenderness. Adjust molasses for sweetness preference. Store wrapped for 2-3 days.