Looking for a quick and hearty loaf that pairs perfectly with butter, jam, or stew? This Irish Brown Bread Recipe delivers a dense, nutty loaf that’s ready in under an hour—no yeast, kneading, or rising required.
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Table of Contents
Irish Brown Bread – No-Yeast & Ready in 1 Hour
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×5-inch loaf pan greased or lined
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups wholemeal flour preferably stoneground
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp rolled oats for topping (optional)
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk or yogurt thinned with water
- 2 tbsp molasses or honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix wholemeal flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add buttermilk and molasses. Stir gently until a sticky batter forms. Do not overmix.
- Transfer batter to prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle rolled oats if using.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Let cool fully before slicing.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
🍞 What Is Irish Brown Bread?
This Irish Brown Bread Recipe is rooted in traditional Irish baking. Unlike soda bread, the Irish brown version is heavier, more textured, and made with wholemeal flour for a robust flavor.
It’s often served with:
- Irish butter
- Smoked salmon
- Hearty stews like Guinness Beef Stew
- Cheese and chutney plates
🛒 Ingredients for Irish Brown Bread
To make this authentic Irish Brown Bread Recipe, you’ll need just a few pantry staples like wholemeal flour, baking soda, and buttermilk.
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 2 cups wholemeal flour | Nutty base, key to texture and flavor |
| 1 cup all-purpose flour | Balances density for a lighter crumb |
| 1 tsp baking soda | Leavening (works with acid in buttermilk) |
| ½ tsp salt | Enhances flavor |
| 2 tbsp rolled oats | Optional topping for texture |
| 1¾ cups buttermilk | Provides moisture and acid for rise |
| 2 tbsp molasses or honey | Adds subtle sweetness and color |
📝 Substitutions: Use plain yogurt thinned with water if buttermilk isn’t available.
👩🍳 How to Make Irish Brown Bread (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups wholemeal flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
3️⃣ Add Wet Ingredients
- Stir in:
- 1¾ cups buttermilk
- 2 tbsp molasses or honey
- Mix until combined. Do not overmix. Batter will be thick and slightly sticky.
4️⃣ Transfer and Top
- Spoon batter into loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle rolled oats on top for texture (optional).
5️⃣ Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling.
🍯 Tips for the Best Irish Brown Bread
✅ Use stoneground or coarse wholemeal flour for authentic texture
✅ Don’t overmix—this is a quick bread, not yeasted
✅ Serve warm with Kerrygold butter or your favorite jam
✅ Let it rest fully before slicing to avoid crumbling
✅ Tastes even better the next day, toasted!
🧂 Serving Ideas: What Goes with Irish Brown Bread?
| Pair It With | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Guinness Beef Stew | Classic Irish combo – soak up the rich broth |
| Smoked salmon + cream cheese | Elegant and salty balance |
| Butter + jam | Simple and comforting |
| Sharp Irish cheddar + chutney | Savory meets sweet |
| Soft boiled eggs | Rustic, filling breakfast |
🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips
- Store in a sealed bag at room temp for up to 3 days
- Refrigerate if using moist toppings like salmon or cheese
- Freeze slices for up to 2 months; reheat in toaster or oven
📌 Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy baking recipes, Irish classics, and comforting food pairings:
👉 https://www.pinterest.com/abdessalamhmouch/
❓ FAQs About Irish Brown Bread
Is Irish brown bread the same as soda bread?
Nope! While both use baking soda and buttermilk, soda bread is usually made with white flour and is lighter and sweeter. Brown bread is denser and heartier.
Can I make it gluten-free?
You can try using gluten-free all-purpose flour with gluten-free oats, but the texture will be more crumbly.
Why is my bread bitter?
Too much baking soda or stale wholemeal flour can cause bitterness. Make sure ingredients are fresh and measured accurately.