Sunflower Seed Soda Bread

Recipe card

Sunflower Seed Soda Bread

Prep 15 minCook 40 minTotal 1 hr 25 minYield 1 loaf, about 10 slices

Adjust recipe Half batchOriginal batchDouble batchOnly numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Mixing bowls, measuring tools, scale and appropriate baking pan or appliance

Ingredients

375 g all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp salt 360 ml buttermilk 60 g sunflower seeds, optional 1 whole egg for brushing, optional

Instructions

1. Heat

   Heat oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a tray; whisk flour, baking soda, sugar, salt and sunflower seeds together.

2. Mix

   Make a well, pour in buttermilk and mix lightly just until no flour remains; do not knead heavily.

3. Shape

   Form a 17 cm round on the tray and cut a deep cross across the top; brush with beaten egg if using.

4. Bake

   Bake 35 to 40 minutes until deeply browned and the loaf sounds hollow on its base; cover loosely if browning too fast.

5. Cool

   Rest on a wire rack at least 30 minutes before slicing.

How to tell when it is ready

Rest on a wire rack at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Tips

• Heat oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a tray.
• Make a well, pour in buttermilk and mix lightly just until no flour remains.
• Form a 17 cm round on the tray and cut a deep cross across the top.
• Bake 35 to 40 minutes until deeply browned and the loaf sounds hollow on its base.

Troubleshooting

• If crumb is wet, return loaf to oven uncovered.
• If dough is tough, mix only until combined.

Substitutions

• Use plain cultured buttermilk for sour milk.
• Use plain flour for any seed topping if seeds are unavailable.

Variations

• Omit sunflower seeds for a plain loaf.
• Add a small handful of oats to the top.

Serving suggestions

• Serve warm with butter.
• Toast slices for breakfast.
• Pair with soup.
• Spread with fruit preserves.

Make ahead

Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Keep wrapped at room temperature up to 2 days or freeze slices.

Storage

Keep wrapped at room temperature up to 2 days or freeze slices.

Food safety

Cook egg-brushed dough thoroughly and avoid packing a hot loaf.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know sunflower seed soda bread is ready?

Rest on a wire rack at least 30 minutes before slicing.

How should I store sunflower seed soda bread?

Keep wrapped at room temperature up to 2 days or freeze slices.

Serve warm with butter. Keep wrapped at room temperature up to 2 days or freeze slices.