Mary Berry Soda Bread Recipe

The Mary Berry Soda Bread is a simple, quick, and rustic loaf that doesn’t require yeast or long rising times. Instead, it uses baking soda and buttermilk for a natural rise, giving the bread a soft, tender crumb and slightly crisp crust. This Irish-inspired recipe is perfect when you need homemade bread in under an hour. It pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or simply served warm with butter and jam.

What Is Mary Berry Soda Bread?

Mary Berry’s soda bread is a no-yeast bread that relies on the chemical reaction between bicarbonate of soda and buttermilk to make it rise. It’s denser than traditional yeast bread but wonderfully soft and flavorful inside. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—no kneading, no proving, and no special equipment required.

Other Mary Berry Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Rhubarb Crumble
• Mary Berry Key Lime Pie
• Mary Berry Millionaire Shortbread
• Mary Berry Cheese Scones
• Mary Berry Rock Cakes
• Mary Berry Meringues

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• No yeast required – Quick and foolproof for beginners.
• Ready in under an hour – Perfect for busy days or last-minute baking.
• Versatile flavor – Works well with sweet or savory toppings.
• Rustic texture – Crusty on the outside, tender on the inside.
• Reliable and delicious – Classic Mary Berry simplicity with guaranteed results.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Soda Bread

• Self-raising flour – 250g
• Wholemeal flour – 250g
• Bicarbonate of soda – 1 tsp
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Buttermilk – 400ml
• Honey – 1 tbsp (optional, adds mild sweetness)
• Extra flour – for dusting

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring jug
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Soda Bread

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare your tray

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and dust lightly with flour.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, combine self-raising flour, wholemeal flour, salt, and bicarbonate of soda. Stir well to evenly distribute the soda.

Step 3: Add buttermilk and form the dough

Make a well in the center and pour in most of the buttermilk along with honey if using. Mix gently using a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough just comes together. Add a little more buttermilk if the mixture seems dry—it should be soft but not sticky.

Step 4: Shape and score the loaf

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round loaf about 5cm thick. Place it on the baking tray and lightly dust with flour. Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross across the top to help it bake evenly.

Step 5: Bake until golden and firm

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the base.

Step 6: Cool and serve

Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Slice and serve warm with butter, honey, or alongside soups and stews.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Dough too sticky – Used less buttermilk and dusted hands with flour when shaping.
• Dense loaf – Avoided overmixing to keep the texture light.
• Flat loaf – Checked that the bicarbonate of soda was fresh.
• Uneven crust – Made sure to preheat the oven fully before baking.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry’s Soda Bread

• Swap half of the flour with oat flour or rye flour for added fiber.
• Replace salt with herbs or seeds for flavor without sodium.
• Use low-fat buttermilk or mix milk with lemon juice as a lighter option.
• Add flaxseeds or chia seeds for extra nutrition.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Soda Bread

• Buttermilk substitute – Mix 400ml milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar; let stand for 10 minutes.
• Honey alternative – Use maple syrup or skip entirely for a savory version.
• Flour options – All-white or all-wholemeal flour works fine; adjust buttermilk slightly.
• Add-ins – Stir in grated cheese, herbs, or raisins for extra flavor.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Soda Bread

• Homemade soup – Tomato, leek, or vegetable soup pairs perfectly.
• Butter and jam – Classic and simple breakfast or tea-time option.
• Irish stew – Traditional pairing that complements the rustic flavor.
• Smoked salmon – Delicious with cream cheese or butter spread.
• Cheese platter – Great alongside sharp cheddar or brie.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Soda Bread

• Work quickly – The reaction between soda and buttermilk starts immediately.
• Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined for a tender crumb.
• Bake immediately – Get it into the oven as soon as the dough is formed.
• Score deeply – Helps the bread cook evenly inside.
• Cool on a rack – Keeps the crust from going soft.
• Use fresh ingredients – Old baking soda won’t give the proper rise.
• Add a little sweetness – Honey enhances both flavor and color.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Soda Bread

• Cheddar and chive soda bread – Add grated cheese and chopped chives for a savory twist.
• Fruit soda bread – Mix in raisins, sultanas, or cranberries for a sweeter version.
• Seeded soda bread – Add sunflower, pumpkin, or sesame seeds for crunch.
• Herb and garlic version – Stir in chopped parsley, rosemary, or garlic powder.
• Oat-topped bread – Sprinkle rolled oats on top for a rustic look.
• Wholegrain soda bread – Use 100% wholemeal flour for a hearty flavor.

Storing Mary Berry Soda Bread the Right Way

• Room temperature – Store wrapped in a clean tea towel for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate – Keeps up to 4 days; toast before serving.
• Freeze – Wrap tightly in foil or cling film and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat – Warm in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5–7 minutes before serving.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Soda Bread (If Needed)

• Oven – Wrap in foil and heat at 160°C (320°F) for about 7 minutes.
• Toaster – Slice and toast until warm and lightly crisp.
• From frozen – Defrost at room temperature, then warm briefly before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~250 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Sugars: 3g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 3g

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FAQs

Why did my Mary Berry soda bread turn out dense?

A dense soda bread usually means the dough was overmixed or too much liquid was added. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined and avoid kneading. The dough should be soft but not sticky for a light, airy texture.

Can I make Mary Berry’s soda bread without buttermilk?

Yes, you can make your own buttermilk substitute by mixing 400ml of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, then letting it sit for 10 minutes before using. The acidity helps the bicarbonate of soda activate and rise the bread.

How do I know when soda bread is fully baked?

The loaf is done when it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also insert a skewer into the center—it should come out clean with no sticky dough attached.

How can I make soda bread crusty on the outside but soft inside?

To achieve a crisp crust, bake the loaf on a preheated baking tray and avoid covering it while cooling. For a softer crust, wrap the warm bread in a clean tea towel as it cools to retain moisture.

Wrapping It Up

The Mary Berry Soda Bread is the perfect quick-bake for any occasion—crusty, wholesome, and delicious straight from the oven. It requires no yeast, no kneading, and minimal effort, yet delivers an authentic, rustic loaf every time. Serve it warm with butter, pair it with soups, or enjoy it as a hearty breakfast—this bread is a true staple for any home baker’s kitchen.