• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Fast Recipe Food Blog
  • 15 Minutes or Less
  • Recipe Index
  • Latest Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • 15 Minutes or Less
  • Recipe Index
  • Latest Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • 15 Minutes or Less
    • Recipe Index
    • Latest Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Recipes by Course ยป Side dish

    Soda Bread with Guinness

    Last modified: Mar 11, 2025 ยท Published by Adina, Mar 12, 2024 ยท Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe

    Make delicious soda bread with Guinness in just 15 minutes! No need to wait for it to rise. This simple recipe makes a crusty loaf that's great for St. Patrickโ€™s Day or any other busy day.

    a loaf of irish bread with soda and guinness.

    Soda bread is the easiest kind of bread you could possibly make, and this recipe for soda bread with Guinness is no exception. There is no need for kneading or waiting for the dough to rise. Just mix simple ingredients in a bowl and mix them with a spoon. 

    The Guinness soda bread is perfect for celebrating St. Patrickโ€™s Day or busy days when you need something quick and delicious. 

    And the best part? You can eat it with anything! Its hearty texture and delicious flavor are perfect with Irish stew, soup, or butter and jam for breakfast. It's so versatile! You can even serve Guinness bread as a snack with cheese or hummus.

    Try it with Hummus without Garlic, Pickle Egg Salad, 4-Ingredient Potato Soup, or Panera Black Bean Soup. 

    Jump to:
    • ๐Ÿ“‹Recipe ingredients
    • ๐Ÿง‚Variations on the recipe
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐ŸณHow to make Guinness soda bread?
    • ๐Ÿ”ŠExpert Tips
    • โ“Recipe FAQs
    • ๐Ÿฝ๏ธHow to serve it?
    • ๐Ÿ€St. Patrickโ€™s Day menu
    • ๐Ÿ“– Recipe
    • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Comments

    ๐Ÿ“‹Recipe ingredients

    labeled ingredients for making soda bread with guinness, whole wheat and all-purpose flour, and treacle.
    • Flour: Use a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour. Alternatively, use spelt flour but increase the buttermilk amount slightly (See Recipe FAQs).
    • Guinness beer:ย The special thing about this Irish brown bread is the famous Irish stout. You can use Guinness Extra Stout or Guinness Draught in this recipe. Make the Guinness Cottage Pie or Guinness Chicken, too.
    • Oats: Old-fashioned or jumbo oats are best for baking this soda bread. Don't use quick-cooking oats or instant oats. 
    • Black treacle or, alternatively, molasses for a very slightly sweet flavor, darker color, and depth. 
    • Baking soda and buttermilk work together to make soda bread rise. Their reaction produces gases that cause the bread to rise during baking, resulting in a lighter texture.
    • Make more quick bread recipes, such as Soda Bread without Buttermilk. And try Cornbread without Buttermilk next!
    • Other ingredients: Butter and fine sea salt or kosher salt.

    See the recipe card for detailed instructions and full information on ingredients and quantities.

    ๐Ÿง‚Variations on the recipe

    • Flour: Use spelt instead of wheat flour. Spelt flour has a slightly nutty flavor.
    • Seeds: Mix sesame, sunflower, pumpkin, and flax seeds into the dough. Brush a little milk on top of the dough and sprinkle more seeds before baking. I also like to add around 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds for extra flavor.
    • Add cheese: For instance, add tiny pieces of Cheddar to the bread dough. You can also sprinkle the formed loaf with grated cheese before baking.

    ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐ŸณHow to make Guinness soda bread?

    mixed whole wheat and all-purpose flour in a bowl.

    Step 1: Sift wholemeal flour and white flour into a large mixing bowl. Add oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine.

    a bowl with flour and butter pieces rubbed into it.

    Step #2: Rub in the butter. Use your hands. 

    adding guinness and buttermilk to flour to make irish bread.

    Step #3: Add buttermilk, stout beer, and treacle.

    soda bread dough mixed in a large bowl.

    Step #4: Stir well until all the flour mixture is wet and no dry spots are left. Donโ€™t over-mix.

    shaped ball of bread dough on a floured surface.

    Step #5: Shape the dough into a round on a lightly floured surface. 

    soda bread dough on a baking sheet before baking.

    Step #6: Place it on the prepared baking tray lined with parchment paper.

    unbaked bread cross-cut in the middle on a baking tray.

    Step #7: Make a deep cross-cut into the loaf (about 5cm deep from the base) with a sharp knife.

    baked round loaf of bread on a baking sheet.

    Step #8: Bake in the hot oven for 50-55 minutes or until it sounds hollow when tapped.

    ๐Ÿ”ŠExpert Tips

    Measurements: The recipe for the soda bread with Guinness was tested using metric and cup measurements. Yet, I recommend using a digital kitchen scale (the Amazon affiliate link opens in a new tab) for the best results. Each person's personal way of measuring flour in a cup can impact the outcome of the recipe.

    Flour: While traditional Irish soda bread uses wheat flour, I often bake this loaf using whole spelt and white spelt flour. In this case, I add 3 tablespoons of buttermilk to the dough, as spelt flour absorbs more liquid. 

    Room temperature: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to promote even incorporation and a better rise in the bread.

    Don't overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture in the finished bread.

    sliced irish stout soda bread on a cutting board.

    โ“Recipe FAQs

    Can I substitute Guinness beer with another beer?

    ย While Guinness beer adds a unique flavor to the soda bread, you can try another dark beer. However, remember that it may alter the final product's taste.

    Can I replace or make buttermilk for soda bread?

    If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to ยพ cup (175 ml) of regular milk. Let the homemade buttermilk sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

    What can I use if I don't have black treacle?ย 

    You can substitute it with molasses or dark corn syrup, although the flavor may differ slightly.

    How to store soda bread?

    Any type of soda bread is best enjoyed fresh on the day it is baked. However, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.ย 
    Freeze: Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. You can freeze them for up to 1-2 months. To defrost, simply leave them on the counter.

    round loaf of irish bread, bowls of jam and cream cheese.

    ๐Ÿฝ๏ธHow to serve it?

    The Guinness soda bread should be enjoyed fresh, warm, or at room temperature. Let it cool on a cooling rack for about 30 minutes before slicing it. 

    Serve with any soup or stew you like, such as our Carrot and Broccoli Soup. You can also serve it as a side dish for Asparagus and Eggs.

    It is delicious with just butter and jam, with Butter Bean Hummus, or with Cottage Cheese Dip and veggie slices. 

    Use it to make sandwiches, like our Turkey Sandwiches, Cottage Cheese Toast, or Spicy Tuna Sandwiches. 

    ๐Ÿ€St. Patrickโ€™s Day menu

    • vintage bowl with chunky leek and potato soup without cream.
      Leek and Potato Soup (No Cream)
    • overhead view of air fryer lamb chops served with lemon wedges.
      Quick Air Fryer Lamb Chops
    • cheesy smashed potatoes on a black baking sheet.
      Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
    • irish coffee cake layered with mascarpone frosting.
      Irish Coffee Cake (with Baileyโ€™s)
    Hungry for More Fast Recipes?

    Sign up for our Newsletter to receive new, quick, and delicious recipes in your inbox occasionally! Find me sharing daily meal-time inspiration on Pinterest and Facebook

    Give my quick recipes a try for your next family meal! Feel free to reach out if you need any assistance!

    ๐Ÿ“– Recipe

    round loaf of soda bread with guinness on a cutting board.

    Soda Bread with Guinness

    Whip up tasty Guinness soda bread in 15 minutes! No rise time is needed. This easy recipe is perfect for St. Patrickโ€™s Day or any busy day.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast, Side Dish
    Cuisine: Irish
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 55 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 202kcal
    Author: Adina

    Equipment

    • Large bowl
    • Baking sheet
    • Parchment paper
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients  

    • 2 cups whole wheat flour 250 g Notes 1, 2
    • 1 ยพ cup all-purpose flour 225 g
    • 2 tablespoons butter 30 g
    • ยพ cup oats 75 g, Note 3
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt or kosher salt
    • ยพ cup buttermilk room temperature, 175 ml, Note 4
    • ยพ cup Guinness room temperature, 175 ml
    • 3 tablespoons black treacle 60 g

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 200C/ 400ยฐF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Dry ingredients: Sift the flour into a large bowl. Add the oats, baking soda, and salt and stir to combine. Rub in the butter with your hands.
      2 cups whole wheat flour / 250 g + 1 ยพ cup all-purpose flour / 225 g + ยพ cup oats / 75 g + 1 teaspoon baking soda + 2 teaspoons fine sea salt + 2 tablespoons butter
    • Dough: Add buttermilk, Guinness, and treacle. Stir well until all the dry flour is wet and no dry spots are left. Avoid over-mixing, as it can lead to a dense texture and hinder the bread's proper rising.
      ยพ cup buttermilk / 175 ml + ยพ cup Guinness / 175 ml + 3 tablespoons black treacle
    • Shape: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round with your floured hands.
    • Cut: Place it onto the prepared baking sheet. With a sharp knife, make a deep cross-cut into the loaf (about 5cm deep from the base).
    • Bake for 50-55 minutes. Check by tapping the bread on the underside; it should sound hollow. Transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

    Notes

    1. Measurements: The recipe was tested using both metric measurements and cups, but still, I always recommend using a digital kitchen scale (the Amazon link opens in a new tab) in baking; it guarantees the best results. Measuring flour in cups is tricky; you might fill them looser or tighter than I do, which will make a difference.
    2. Flour: You can replace whole wheat flour with whole wheat spelt flour and all-purpose flour with white spelt flour. In this case, add 3 extra tablespoons of buttermilk to the dough.
    3. Preferably jumbo oats/old-fashioned oats. Not instant or quick-cook oats.
    4. To make buttermilk, add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to ยพ cups (175 ml) of milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1slice | Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 518mg | Potassium: 209mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 86IU | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe? Pin it today!Mention @thefastrecipe or tag #thefastrecipe!

    More Flavorful Side Dish Recipes to Complement Every Meal

    • miso brown rice in a small bowl on kitchen cloths.
      Simple Miso Brown Rice
    • tuna and potato salad in a bowl.
      Tuna and Potato Salad
    • two loaves of wild garlic bread, and three cut slices.
      Wild Garlic Bread
    • creamy celeriac coleslawe in a brown bowl.
      Creamy Celeriac Coleslaw

    Sharing is caring!

    5 shares
    • Facebook
    • X
    • Flipboard

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Adina Beck the recipe writer, creator, and photographer behind The Fast Recipe Food Blog.

    Hi, I'm Adina! I am a foodie, creator, writer, and photographer, creating and photographing recipes for my blogs and clients.

    More about me โ†’

    Most Popular

    • collage of four pictures of different dipping sauces for calamari.
      Best Dipping Sauces for Calamari
    • small bowl of creamy ricotta mac and cheese on a white cloth with blue flowers.
      Creamy Ricotta Mac and Cheese
    • quick pork belly bites sprinkled with green onions on a white plate.
      Quick Pork Belly Bites
    • red dutch oven with mac and cheese without flour.
      Simple Mac and Cheese without Flour

    Easy Summer Dinner

    • italian zucchini soup topped with fresh basil in a large bowl.
      Italian Zucchini Soup
    • penne caprese with tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil in a bowl.
      Easy Penne Caprese
    • two pieces of panko chicken, one sliced, on a green plate with salad and lemon wedges.
      Crispy Panko Chicken
    • a bowl of dill lemon rice topped with a large sprig of dill and lemon slices.
      Dill Lemon Rice

    Footer

    โ†‘ back to top

    About

    • About us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Check out our Web Stories

    Contact

    If you have any questions or want to work with us, please email us @ yummy@thefastrecipe.com

    If you would like to use one of our photos in your editorial content, please feel free to do so as long as a link back to thefastrecipe.com is provided. Thank you.

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright ยฉ 2025

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.