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!
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F/Gas Mark 6). Lightly flour a baking sheet.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), and salt.
- Add Buttermilk: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk.
- 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!
- 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.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Place the dough round on the prepared baking sheet.
- 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.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- 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.
