James Martin soda bread is a classic, no-fuss loaf that comes together quickly using simple pantry ingredients. It has a crisp, golden crust with a soft, slightly dense crumb and a mild, wheaty flavor that pairs beautifully with butter. This is an easy recipe suitable for beginners, with no yeast or long rising time required. From start to finish, it takes about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Soda Bread
- 450g plain flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 350 ml buttermilk, plus a little extra if needed
How to Make James Martin Soda Bread
- Prepare the Oven:Preheat your oven to 200°C. Lightly dust a baking tray with flour or line it with baking parchment.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the salt, sugar, and bicarbonate of soda, then stir well so everything is evenly combined.
- Add the Buttermilk:Make a well in the center and pour in most of the buttermilk. Use your hand or a wooden spoon to bring the dough together gently. Add the remaining buttermilk only if the dough feels too dry. It should be soft but not sticky.
- Shape and Bake:Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on the prepared tray and cut a deep cross on top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped underneath.
- Cool:Transfer the loaf to a wire rack and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Tips for the Best Soda Bread
Why is my soda bread dense?
This usually happens if the dough is overworked. Mix gently and stop as soon as the dough comes together.
Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk and let it stand for 5 minutes before using.
How do I know when it is fully baked?
Tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it is done.
Should I let it rest before slicing?
Yes, resting allows the crumb to set and makes slicing easier.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with salted butter
- Pair with soups and stews
- Enjoy with cheese and chutney
- Toast slices for breakfast
Storage
Room Temperature
Keep wrapped in a clean tea towel for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator
Not recommended, as it can dry out the bread.
Freezing
Freeze sliced soda bread for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature and toast if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
FAQs
Is soda bread the same as Irish bread?
Yes, traditional soda bread is an Irish staple made without yeast.
Can I add seeds or grains?
Yes, you can add oats, sunflower seeds, or caraway seeds for extra texture.
Why do you cut a cross on top?
It helps the bread cook evenly and allows heat to reach the center.
Can I make this gluten free?
You can use a gluten free plain flour blend, but the texture will be slightly different.
Mary Berry 3-Layer Victoria Sponge Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutesLight, fluffy Mary Berry 3-Layer Victoria Sponge filled with strawberry jam and freshly whipped cream. A classic British cake perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
225g unsalted butter, softened
225g caster sugar
4 large eggs
225g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp milk
150ml double cream
2 tbsp icing sugar
4–5 tbsp strawberry jam
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Icing sugar, for dusting
Butter, for greasing tins
Baking parchment
Directions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C Fan). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake tins.
- Place butter, caster sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder and milk into a large bowl.
- Beat with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until pale, smooth and fully combined.
- Divide evenly between tins and level the tops.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden, springy and cooked through.
- Cool in tins for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whip double cream with icing sugar until soft peaks form.
- Sandwich the sponges with strawberry jam and whipped cream.
- Dust with icing sugar and decorate with fresh strawberries before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is fully softened for best rise.
- Do not open the oven door early to prevent sinking.
- Sponge layers can be frozen unfilled for up to 3 months.
