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A freshly baked loaf of Mary Berry Soda Bread with a deeply cut cross.
Sophia Cucina

Mary Berry Soda Bread Recipe

Enjoy a loaf of fresh, homemade bread in under an hour with Mary Berry's Soda Bread Recipe! This simple, straightforward recipe delivers a crusty exterior, a soft, tender crumb, and a satisfying flavor. Perfect for beginner bakers and busy weeknights!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf
Course: Bread
Cuisine: British
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 450 g 16 oz plain flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 300 ml 1 1/4 cups buttermilk

Method
 

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F/Gas Mark 6). Lightly flour a baking sheet.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), and salt.
  3. Add Buttermilk: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk.
  4. Mix to a Soft Dough: Using a round-bladed knife, quickly mix the ingredients together until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough. Be careful not to overmix!
  5. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round, about 4cm (1 1/2 inches) thick.
  6. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the dough round on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Cut a Cross: Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross into the top of the loaf, going almost all the way through. This helps the bread to bake evenly.
  8. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Cool: Transfer the soda bread to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in a tough bread.
  • Use Cold Buttermilk: Cold buttermilk helps to activate the baking soda and create a better rise.
  • Cut Deeply: Make sure to cut the cross deep enough to allow the heat to penetrate the center of the loaf.
  • Tap for Doneness: The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  • Enjoy Fresh: Soda bread is best enjoyed fresh, on the day it's baked.
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