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Molasses Brown Soda Bread Recipe

Molasses Brown Soda Bread Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

This Molasses Brown Soda Bread is a hearty, slightly sweetened quick bread that combines the nutty flavors of whole wheat flour and wheat germ with the rich depth of molasses. It’s a traditional Irish-style soda bread perfect for breakfast or as a side to soups and stews, featuring a soft crumb and a tender crust enhanced by steaming after baking.

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 the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal baking temperature while you prepare the dough.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, wheat germ, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, molasses, and melted butter until fully combined and smooth, creating a sweet and tangy liquid base.
  4. Form the Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined into a sticky, shaggy dough. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bread tender.
  5. Knead Lightly: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just 2-3 times to bring it together into a smooth ball without toughening the texture.
  6. Shape the Bread: Flatten the dough ball into a roughly 7-inch diameter circle and transfer it to a lightly floured baking sheet.
  7. Score the Dough: Using a sharp knife, cut a cross about ½ inch deep onto the top of the dough. This helps the bread expand evenly while baking.
  8. Bake at High Temperature: Bake the bread for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C) to help create a crust.
  9. Reduce Temperature and Continue Baking: Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Cool Wrapped: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel while cooling. The trapped steam softens the crust for a perfect texture.

Notes

  • Use room temperature buttermilk for best mixing results.
  • The molasses adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, but you can adjust the quantity for your taste preference.
  • Do not over-knead the dough to keep the bread light and tender.
  • Check the bread by tapping the bottom to ensure it sounds hollow, indicating it’s fully baked.
  • Wrapping the bread after baking softens the crust—if you prefer a crunchier crust, cool it uncovered.

Nutrition

Keywords: Molasses soda bread, Irish soda bread, whole wheat soda bread, quick bread recipe, molasses bread

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