Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Guinness Soda Bread


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15–20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A rustic Guinness soda bread made with wholemeal flour, oats, buttermilk, black treacle, and stout for a hearty crumb and rich malty flavor. Serve warm with light and fluffy whipped sea salt butter.


Ingredients

250 g wholemeal flour

280 g plain flour

100 g oats, plus extra for sprinkling

1 tablespoon bicarbonate of soda

2 teaspoons fine salt

250 ml Guinness

250 ml buttermilk

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 tablespoon black treacle

100 g unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon sea salt flakes


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (fan 200°C/Gas 7) and line a large baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Combine the wholemeal flour, plain flour, oats, bicarbonate of soda, and fine salt in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a measuring jug, whisk together the Guinness, buttermilk, maple syrup, and black treacle until well combined.
  4. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the Guinness mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon just until a shaggy, slightly sticky dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a small splash of Guinness; if excessively wet, add a little extra flour.
  5. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking tray. With damp fingertips, gently shape it into a round loaf and flatten the top slightly. Make a deep cross across the loaf with the handle of a wooden spoon without cutting completely through the dough.
  6. Sprinkle the loaf with extra oats and bake at 220°C for 10 minutes.
  7. Reduce the oven temperature to 190°C (fan 170°C/Gas 5) and bake for another 35–40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
  8. Cool the loaf for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
  9. While the bread cools, whip the softened unsalted butter and sea salt flakes with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes, until pale, light, and fluffy.
  10. Serve thick slices of warm Guinness soda bread with the whipped sea salt butter.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the finished bread tender.

Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or mixed seeds can be added for extra texture.

For a savory variation, mix grated mature cheddar into the dry ingredients.

For a sweeter loaf, add a little extra maple syrup or a small handful of raisins.

Regular rolled oats give the bread a rustic texture, while finer porridge oats blend more seamlessly into the crumb.

Salted butter can be served instead of whipped sea salt butter. The bread is also delicious with honey, jam, cheese, soups, and stews.

Store cooled bread wrapped well or in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.

Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months, separating them with baking paper if needed.

Reheat slices in a toaster or oven. Larger portions can be wrapped loosely in foil and warmed in a moderate oven.

Keep leftover whipped butter covered in the refrigerator and soften it at room temperature before serving.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 330 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 32 mg