Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: No need to wait for dough to rise; this bread comes together swiftly.
- Nutritious: The addition of oats provides extra fiber and nutrients.
- Versatile: Pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings.
- Low-Fat: This recipe is designed to be lower in fat compared to traditional breads.
Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 (8-ounce) container low-fat sour cream
- ¾ cup skim milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, ½ cup oats, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the sour cream, milk, honey, and sugar until well blended.
- Form the Dough: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Then, stir in the ¼ cup of melted butter.
- Shape the Loaf: Turn the dough onto a lightly greased baking sheet. Shape it into a round, slightly mounded circle, approximately 8 inches in diameter.
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the top of the loaf with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle with an additional tablespoon of oats. Using a knife, score the top of the loaf into quarters.
- Bake: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the bread is browned and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 slices.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Whole Wheat Addition: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Sweet Twist: Incorporate dried fruits like raisins or cranberries into the dough for a touch of sweetness.
- Seeded Top: Sprinkle the top with a mix of seeds such as sunflower, sesame, or flax for added crunch and nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Once completely cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: To refresh the bread, warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or toast individual slices as desired.
FAQs
What is soda bread?
Soda bread is a type of quick bread that uses baking soda as a leavening agent instead of yeast. This method allows for faster preparation and results in a denser texture.
Can I use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Yes, you can substitute rolled oats for quick-cooking oats. However, the texture may be slightly different, as rolled oats are larger and may add more chewiness to the bread.
Is it necessary to use low-fat sour cream and skim milk?
Using low-fat sour cream and skim milk reduces the overall fat content of the bread. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use full-fat versions.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Ensure that the oats used are certified gluten-free as well.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spices such as cinnamon, can enhance the flavor of the bread. Mix them into the dry ingredients before combining with the wet mixture.
Print
Oatmeal Soda Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fennel Soda Bread is a fragrant, slightly sweet twist on traditional Irish soda bread. This quick and easy bread requires no yeast, making it perfect for beginners. Aromatic fennel seeds add a delicate anise-like flavor, while buttermilk ensures a tender crumb. Enjoy it warm with butter, alongside soups, or toasted with jam.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1¾ cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons melted butter
- 3 tablespoons butter, chilled
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch round cake pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and fennel seeds.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter.
- Form the Batter: Gently mix wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer batter to the greased cake pan. Dot the top with chilled butter.
- Bake: Bake for about 1 hour or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
- Buttermilk Substitute: Use 1¾ cups milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding raisins, orange zest, or a pinch of rosemary.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
