This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

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This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

Whole-Wheat Soda Bread

Makes one 9-inch loaf

1 hour 20 minutes active, plus cooling

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This soda bread gets nutty flavor and hearty texture from a combination of whole-wheat flour and wheat bran, but also includes some all-purpose flour for structure. The dough comes together in a single bowl and without a mixer. Even the butter and buttermilk are used cold so there’s no need plan ahead. Baking in a cast-iron skillet develops a nice bottom crust, but a parchment-lined baking sheet works almost as well. (If using a baking sheet, you will need only 1 tablespoon melted butter to brush on the loaf after baking.) The bread is best the day it is baked, but leftovers will keep in an airtight container for up to three days. Slice and toast before serving.

Makes one

9-inch loaf

Tip

Don’t overwork the dough or the loaf will be tough and dense. Also, don’t slice the bread while warm. Allow it to cool completely for the best texture.

1 hour

20 minutes active, plus cooling

Ingredients

  • 85

    grams (6 tablespoons) cold salted butter, cut into thin slices, plus 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

  • 210

    grams (1½ cups) whole-wheat flour

Directions

Reviews
La M.
August 8, 2026
Filling and Buttery
I really enjoyed this! The texture and flavor made me think it could make a really great zuchinni bread. Could I use this recipe as the base?
Melanie S.
January 9, 2026
Fabulous.
Have made this twice now-it freezes well; I pre-slice and pop in my toaster oven. Lovely crumb, hearty brown grain-y flavor; the best soda bread I have made!

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