Copycat Mary Berry Soda Bread Recipe

If you’ve never baked bread, this Copycat Mary Berry Soda Bread is just perfect for starting your journey. It’s one of my favorite take-out recipes when I need warm, fresh bread lately, without too much fuss. There are no yeast or rising times; all it needs is mixing, shaping, and baking. Very rustic, hearty, and oh so easy.

And ridiculously easy.

I love how this bread seems to emerge from the oven with a golden crust and soft crumb. It goes equally well with butter, jam, or soup. And since the ingredients are so simple, you probably already have everything stocked in your kitchen!

What is Copycat Mary Berry Soda Bread All About?

This is the homemade version of the famous soda bread recipe from Mary Berry, the baking queen of the UK. It is supposed to be quick, forgiving, and extremely delicious. Soda bread, unlike conventional bread, uses baking soda as its leavening agent. Thus, there is no kneading or proofing required in it. Very slightly dense, tender bite, mild tang with buttermilk. It looks so fancy, and takes maybe 10 minutes prep in total.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 3½ cups (450g) plain flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1¾ cups (400ml) buttermilk
• Extra flour for dusting

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (or 220°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk.
4. Stir quickly with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough is formed.
5. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and gently form into a round loaf. Do not over-knead.
6. Put on the tray, slightly flatten it, and make a deep cross incision on top with a knife.
7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown, and when tapped, it sounds hollow from the bottom.
8. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes on a wire rack before slicing.

Storage Tips

• Spread it with salted butter and jam for breakfast.
• This will be good dipped in soups like tomato or lentil.
• It can also be used in making a rustic sandwich with cheese or smoked salmon..

Serving Suggestions

• Spread with salted butter and jam for breakfast.
• Dunk it in tomato or lentil soup.
• Then use it to make a rustic sandwich with cheese or smoked salmon.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Not overly handled keeps it soft within, but crafty.
• Not buttermilk? Combine 1¾ cups milk with 1½ tbsp lemon juice or vinegar and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
• Add ½ cup raisins or herbs for a twist, like rosemary.
• Replace half of the regular flour with whole wheat for a whole-wheat version.

FAQs

1. Is this bread spicy?

Not at all. It is a very simple, very mild bread without any flavor or spices.

2. Can I use gluten-free flour?

Sure, if you want to use gluten-free flour, just use the 1:1 blend; the texture will vary a bit.

3. What to do when buttermilk is unavailable?

Homemade buttermilk is a mixture of milk, vinegar, or lemon juice.

4. Is this bread able to be made vegan?

Definitely! You can make it vegan with plant milk plus vinegar.

Try It!

This Copycat Mary Berry Soda Bread is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. This one is quick, easy-going, and ever-so-comforting. Master homemade bread in 40 minutes flat. I’m curious what you think. Give me a shout if you venture some of your own variations.