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Mary Berry Soda Bread 

Mary Berry Soda Bread 
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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.

Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

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.

Find it online: https://maryberrycooks.co.uk/mary-berry-soda-bread/