Oatmeal And Sour Cherry Soda Bread
Oatmeal and sour cherry soda bread offers a hearty, nutty flavor with bursts of tart cherry sweetness. Its wholesome whole wheat base is complemented by oats and caraway seeds, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack for those who enjoy rustic, flavorful breads with a touch of fruit.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon quick rolled oats ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 3/4 cup dried sour cherries ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon caraway seed ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) container plain low-fat yogurt ⓘ
- 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon skim milk ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons honey ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F and grease a large baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup oats, salt, baking powder, baking soda, dried sour cherries, and caraway seed.
- In a 2-cup glass measuring cup or small bowl, mix the yogurt, 3/4 cup skim milk, and honey until well blended.
- Add the yogurt mixture to the dry ingredients and stir lightly with a fork just until the mixture clings together and forms a soft dough; do not overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 8 to 10 times or about 30 seconds.
- Shape the dough into an 8-inch round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the top of the loaf with the remaining tablespoon of skim milk and sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of oats.
- Score the top of the loaf into quarters with a knife.
- Bake the bread for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the whole wheat flour with spelt flour. If you can't find dried sour cherries, dried cranberries or raisins can work as alternatives. To enhance flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. Remember to knead the dough gently to maintain its tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
This oatmeal and sour cherry soda bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with Sour Cream And Chive Potatoes for a hearty meal. Try enjoying it alongside a bowl of soup or a fresh salad for a balanced lunch. For breakfast, serve with a drizzle of honey or a spread of your favorite jam.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore its crustiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oatmeal And Sour Cherry Soda Bread contains roughly 425 calories, with 14g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (90% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), and calcium (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1870mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the whole wheat and all-purpose flours. Be sure to check that the blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately to help the bread rise and maintain its structure.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this soda bread vegan, replace the yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, and use a plant-based milk instead of skim milk. Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to maintain sweetness without animal products.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour onto your work surface and your hands while kneading. However, be careful not to add too much flour, as it can make the bread dense. Aim for a soft but manageable dough that holds together.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).