Description: Treacle bread is a traditional Irish soda bread with a rich, slightly sweet flavor from black treacle (molasses). It has a dense yet tender crumb, making it perfect with butter and a cup of tea.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Serving Size: 6-8 slices
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons black treacle (molasses)
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (more if needed)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
- Incorporate Treacle: Warm the treacle slightly to make it easier to mix. Stir it into the buttermilk until well combined.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the treacle-buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Add a little extra buttermilk if needed.
- Shape the Bread: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Shape into a round loaf and place on the baking sheet.
- Score the Top: Use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross into the top of the dough—this helps the bread bake evenly.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm with butter.
Enjoy your homemade Treacle Bread with tea or as a side to a hearty Irish meal! 🍞☘️
