Irish Treacle Bread: A Slice of Dark, Sweet Heaven

Imagine a bread, dark and rich, with a subtle sweetness that lingers on the palate. That’s the magic of Irish treacle bread, a traditional loaf that’s as comforting as a warm hug. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea, slathered with butter, or alongside a hearty Irish stew, this bread is a true taste of Ireland. This recipe will guide you through creating your own loaf of this delicious treat, ensuring a perfect result every time.

What is Treacle, Anyway?

Before we dive into baking, let’s talk about the star ingredient: treacle. It’s a thick, dark syrup produced during the sugar refining process. Think of it as a cousin to molasses, but with a slightly less intense flavor. It’s this treacle that gives the bread its distinctive dark color and rich, caramel-like sweetness.

Tip: If you can’t find treacle, you can substitute with molasses, but the flavor will be slightly stronger. For a lighter flavor, use golden syrup.

Gathering Your Ingredients

This recipe is surprisingly simple and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 400g strong white bread flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 400ml buttermilk
• 100g treacle (or substitute)

Baking Your Irish Treacle Bread

Now for the fun part! Follow these steps to bake your own delicious loaf:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/ Gas Mark 6).
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and treacle.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix!
5. Grease and flour a 2lb loaf tin. Pour the batter into the tin.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the bread cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Troubleshooting Tips:

Bread too dense? You might have overmixed the batter. Remember, just mix until combined.

Bread not rising enough? Check the expiration date on your baking soda. It loses its potency over time.

Serving and Enjoying Your Treacle Bread

Irish treacle bread is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it fresh from the oven, slathered with butter, or toasted with jam. It’s also delicious alongside soups and stews, adding a touch of sweetness to savory dishes. Try it with a full Irish breakfast for a truly authentic experience!

This simple recipe brings a taste of Irish tradition to your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of dark, sweet heaven!