Whole-Grain Soda Bread
Whole-grain soda bread offers a hearty, nutty flavor with the sweetness of golden raisins and the aromatic touch of caraway seeds. Perfect for breakfast or tea, this quick bread combines wholesome ingredients with a tender crumb, making it a satisfying choice for health-conscious bakers and bread lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a cookie sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, quick cooking oats, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Stir in the all-purpose flour.
- Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the margarine or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the golden raisins and caraway seed.
- Add the buttermilk just until the flour mixture is moistened; the dough will be sticky.
- Shape the dough into a round and place on the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider substituting half of the whole wheat flour with spelt flour. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a more natural sweetener. If you don't have buttermilk, make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This bread is great for breakfast or as a snack.
Serving Suggestions
This whole-grain soda bread pairs beautifully with soups or stews, such as a hearty vegetable soup or even Venison Stroganoff. Serve it warm with butter or cream cheese, or toast it for breakfast with jam. You can also enjoy it as a side with salads or alongside a cheese platter for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop slices in a toaster or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Whole-Grain Soda Bread contains roughly 526 calories, with 4g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1579mg per serving (69% 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 make this soda bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour. Be sure to check the baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it looks golden but the toothpick isn't clean, you can bake it a few more minutes, checking frequently to avoid overbaking.
Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can incorporate nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch. Dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots can also be delicious additions. Just make sure to adjust the wet ingredients slightly if adding more dry ingredients.
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).