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Mary Berry Soda Bread Recipe UK with Buttermilk

Mary Berry Soda Bread Recipe UK with Buttermilk

Mary Berry soda bread recipe UK with buttermilk is a quick, yeast-free loaf with a golden crust, tender crumb, and lightly tangy flavour. It needs no proving or kneading, making it an easy homemade bread for breakfast, lunch, soups, or afternoon tea.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 1 Loaf
Course: Bread
Cuisine: British
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 450 g plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt
  • 300 ml buttermilk
  • A little extra flour for shaping

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring scale
  • Wooden spoon or round-bladed knife
  • Baking tray
  • Sharp knife
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 200°C, 180°C fan, or Gas Mark 6. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: Add the flour, bicarbonate of soda, and salt to a large bowl. Mix well so the bicarbonate of soda is evenly distributed.
  3. Add the buttermilk: Make a well in the centre and gradually pour in the buttermilk. Mix gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
  4. Keep the dough light: Do not knead the dough like yeast bread. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients come together.
  5. Shape the loaf: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf.
  6. Score the top: Transfer the loaf to the baking tray and cut a deep cross across the top with a sharp knife.
  7. Bake the bread: Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
  8. Cool before slicing: Place the loaf on a wire rack and let it cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • Do not overmix: Overworking soda bread can make the crumb heavy.
  • Use fresh bicarbonate of soda: Old raising agents can give poor lift.
  • Use enough buttermilk: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, not dry.
  • Bake promptly: Once buttermilk meets bicarbonate of soda, the raising reaction begins.
  • Avoid excessive flour: Adding too much flour while shaping can make the loaf dense.

Serving Ideas

Serve this homemade soda bread warm with:
  • Salted butter
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Homemade soup
  • Eggs
  • Smoked salmon
  • Jam
  • Honey
  • Stews

Storage

Keep completely cooled soda bread wrapped at room temperature and enjoy it preferably within 1–2 days. For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze the individual slices in a freezer-safe bag.

Summer Serving Idea

This Mary Berry soda bread recipe UK with buttermilk also works beautifully for a simple summer lunch. Serve warm slices with salted butter, mature cheddar, fresh tomatoes, cucumber, boiled eggs, or a light seasonal salad.