Description
This traditional Irish Brown Bread combines wholesome whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and the rich flavors of molasses and Guinness beer for a hearty, slightly sweet bread with a moist crumb. Perfectly baked at 350°F, this rustic loaf is ideal for serving with Irish butter, soups, or stews, showcasing a simple yet flavorful homemade bread suited for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 Cups whole wheat flour
- 3/4 Cup rolled oats (plus a pinch extra to garnish top of bread)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 Tbsp dark brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup molasses
- 1 Cup Guinness stout beer
- 1 Cup buttermilk
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of a bread loaf pan with a piece of parchment paper cut to fit, then spray the inside with a non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined. Stir in the dark brown sugar ensuring all dry ingredients are well blended.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry mixture. Pour in the molasses, Guinness beer, buttermilk, honey, and melted butter. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula by hand until all ingredients are just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Shape Dough in Pan: Transfer the dough into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it evenly into all corners using a spatula. Score a line down the middle of the dough surface to allow the bread to expand while baking. Sprinkle additional rolled oats over the top as a garnish.
- Bake Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. For smaller mini loaves, baking time reduces to about 45 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with Irish butter or your choice of spread. Enjoy your homemade Irish Brown Bread!
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the dough to keep the bread tender and prevent it from becoming tough.
- If you can’t find Guinness, any dark stout beer can be used as a substitute.
- For a dairy-free option, replace buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar to mimic the acidity.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Adding a pinch of oats on top not only adds texture but also enhances the rustic look of the bread.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
