Mary Berry Wheaten Bread Recipe

Mary Berry Wheaten Bread Recipe

Discover the rich and wholesome delight of Mary Berry's Wheaten Bread, a traditional recipe celebrated for its rustic charm and simple ingredients. This bread, deeply rooted in the culinary heritage of Ireland, offers a perfect blend of whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and oats, creating a tender crumb and a crusty exterior that's irresistibly delicious.

Mary Berry Wheaten Bread: A Cultural Staple

Wheaten Bread, also known as brown soda bread, stands as a testament to the simplicity and nourishment of Irish baking traditions. Unlike its white soda bread counterpart, Wheaten Bread incorporates whole wheat flour for a denser texture and a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. This bread, often served alongside soups and stews or enjoyed with a generous spread of butter, has found its place at Irish tables for generations.

Ingredients for Mary Berry Wheaten Bread

To recreate this homely bread, you'll need the following:

  • Whole wheat flour: 250g
  • Plain white flour: 200g
  • Old Fashioned Oats: ½ cup + 2 tablespoons
  • Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Buttermilk: 350ml
  • Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon
  • Melted butter: 2 tablespoons
  • Optional: Maple syrup and seeds or porridge oats for topping

These ingredients combine to create a bread that is not only fulfilling but also packed with the goodness of whole grains.

Preparation Instructions

  1. Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven and preparing your loaf pan with butter.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, baking soda, salt, and oats.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk with brown sugar and melted butter.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry until a thick batter forms.
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle with oats if desired, and bake until golden brown. A toothpick test can ensure doneness.

Storage and Reheating

Wheaten Bread can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days when wrapped properly in plastic wrap and foil. For longer storage, freezing is recommended. The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months, ideally in slices for easy thawing and reheating​​​​.

Nutritional Information

Wheaten Bread is rich in fiber due to the whole wheat flour and oats, providing a nutritious option for those seeking wholesome alternatives. Each serving contains approximately 119 calories, with a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and a small amount of fat from the butter​​.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I substitute buttermilk? It's essential not to substitute buttermilk as it reacts with baking soda for the bread to rise. However, you can make your own by mixing apple cider vinegar with milk​​.
  • How do I shape this bread? This recipe is versatile; you can bake it in a loaf tin for a traditional shape or as a free-form round on parchment paper​​.

Enjoy the hearty and comforting taste of Mary Berry's Wheaten Bread, a recipe that not only warms the stomach but also the heart. Perfect for any meal of the day, this bread's simplicity and nutritional benefits make it a must-try for baking enthusiasts and lovers of traditional Irish cuisine.

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