Description
This traditional Irish Brown Bread recipe is a wholesome, no-yeast quick bread made with whole wheat flour, oats, and buttermilk. It boasts a hearty texture and subtle sweetness, perfect for enjoying alongside soups, stews, or simply with butter and jam. Easy to prepare and baked to a golden finish, this bread captures the rustic flavors of Ireland with every slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
Wet Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk (plus more if needed)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, rolled oats, and brown sugar (or honey) until evenly combined.
- Add buttermilk and form dough: Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently just until a thick, shaggy dough forms. If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add an additional tablespoon or two of buttermilk, mixing carefully to avoid overworking.
- Transfer and smooth dough: Spoon the dough into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top surface evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Optional topping: Brush the top with melted butter for a richer crust if desired, then sprinkle additional rolled oats on top for texture and garnish.
- Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden brown, firm, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This allows the bread to set and prevents crumbling.
Notes
- Serve this hearty brown bread with butter, jam, or as an accompaniment to soups and stews for a comforting meal.
- For added texture and nutrition, consider mixing in a tablespoon of flaxseed or sunflower seeds into the dough.
- Store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze it for extended storage without loss of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
