Description
This easy Irish brown bread recipe features a distinctive burnished oat crust, offering a hearty, rustic loaf that is perfect as a quick side for weeknight stews or a simple, satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (360g) whole wheat flour (for a lighter crumb, sometimes use 2 cups whole wheat and 1 cup all-purpose flour)
- 1 cup (90g) old-fashioned rolled oats, plus extra for crust
- 1.5 tsp baking soda (ensure fresh for optimal lift)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1–2 tbsp (12-24g) brown sugar, optional
- 1.5–2 cups (360-480ml) buttermilk (if no buttermilk, add 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and let sit 5 mins)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to a steady 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch round baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it is ready for your loaf.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar (if using). Stir until uniformly combined and fluffy.
- Add Buttermilk: Pour in 1.5 cups of cool buttermilk. Mix with a sturdy wooden spoon or your hands until the ingredients are just combined into a shaggy, soft dough. If the dough looks too dry and crumbly, gradually add more buttermilk, a tablespoon at a time, until it comes together. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense loaf.
- Form Loaf & Crust: Lightly flour your hands and gently shape the dough into a round, rustic loaf, roughly 6-7 inches across. Place it carefully on your prepared pan. Press extra oats generously onto the top and sides, creating that distinct Burnished Oat Crust.
- Bake: Transfer your loaf to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The crust should be beautifully golden brown, and when you tap the bottom, it should sound hollow. A skewer inserted into the center should emerge clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool: Once baked, immediately transfer the warm, rustic bread to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before attempting to slice and serve for the best texture.
Notes
For a faster start, use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for mixing ingredients (mix only until just combined). For a healthier option, omit brown sugar or substitute with a tiny drizzle of molasses. Choose organic whole wheat flour and locally sourced buttermilk for richer flavor, and ensure baking soda is fresh for optimal rise. Store-brand ingredients also work great. Let the bread cool completely before slicing for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 48 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (50 g)
- Calories: 160 calories
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 315 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 4.6 g
- Protein: 6.4 g
- Cholesterol: 2 mg
Keywords: irish brown bread, oat crust, easy bread, whole wheat, rustic, healthy, baking, quick meal