Chris’s Guinness Bread is a deliciously hearty and traditional Irish bread that combines the rich flavour of Guinness stout with wholesome whole-wheat flour and oats. Perfect for those who love authentic Irish baking and want to try something a little different from the classic Irish soda bread recipe.
Chris’s Guinness Bread – The Irish Baker Abroad
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Metric | Imperial / Cups |
|---|---|---|
| Whole-wheat flour | 300g | 2 1/2 cups |
| Plain flour | 100g | 3/4 cup |
| Oats | 100g | 1 1/4 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 1/2 tsp | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Baking powder | 1/2 tsp | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 1 tsp |
| Melted butter | 1 tbsp | 1 tbsp |
| Treacle or molasses | 2 tbsp | 2 tbsp |
| Guinness stout | 200ml | 3/4 cup |
| Buttermilk | 250ml | 1 cup |
| Optional: Brown sugar (for sweetness) | 2 tsp | 2 tsp |
Chris’s Guinness Bread Video
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Method
Whisk all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. In a separate bowl or jug, mix the Guinness stout, buttermilk and melted butter with a fork. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and combine everything gently with a wooden spoon until just mixed.
Pour the mixture into a greased 1.5L (2lb) loaf tin and top with oats. Bake in a fan oven at 180°C (356°F) or a conventional oven at 200°C (392°F) for about 50 minutes, until the bread is cooked through and golden on top.
Tip: You can substitute buttermilk with natural or Greek yoghurt thinned with a little water, or make your own by adding 1 1/2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice to 250ml of regular milk. Let it stand for 10 minutes before using.
Enjoy this bread warm with butter, or alongside a hearty Irish stew like a traditional Irish stew recipe or a Guinness Shepherd’s Pie.
How to Store Chris’s Guinness Bread
Store your Guinness bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a clean tea towel at room temperature. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days. For longer storage, keep it in a bread bin to maintain its crust and texture.
Can You Freeze Chris’s Guinness Bread?
Yes, this bread freezes very well. Slice the bread first, then wrap the slices tightly in cling film or foil and place in a freezer bag. Defrost slices at room temperature or toast them straight from the freezer for a quick snack.
Why Is My Guinness Bread Dense?
If your bread turns out too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or using expired baking soda. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined to avoid developing too much gluten, and ensure your raising agents are fresh for a light, airy loaf.
All the best,
Chris – Your Irish Baker Abroad
Experience Authentic Irish Food in Person
Learn to bake authentic Irish scones and bread in a local home in Galway. This is a wonderful way to connect with Irish food culture and bring a real skill home with you.
Book: Traditional Irish Homemade Baking Scones and Bread class in Galway
For more traditional Irish baking inspiration, check out Chris’s Traditional Irish Soda Bread and the classic Irish Soda Scones. You might also enjoy the Homemade Irish Soda Bread with Raisins for a fruity twist.
Explore more about traditional Irish cooking and discover hearty dishes like traditional Irish stew recipe to complement your baking.
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