Brown Irish Soda Bread

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the rolled oats, flaxseeds, and caraway seeds (if using) and mix well.
3. Cut in butter
   Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add wet ingredients
   Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and molasses or honey. Pour this into the well and stir with a wooden spoon until a soft, sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Shape the dough
   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times until smooth. Shape into a round loaf about 8 inches in diameter. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
6. Score and top the bread
   Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross on top of the loaf, cutting about 1/2 inch deep. This helps the bread cook evenly and is traditional for Irish soda bread. Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of oats on top.
7. Bake the bread
   Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue baking for 25-30 minutes more, until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool and serve
   Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool. For the best texture, allow the bread to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve with butter, jam, or alongside a hearty stew or soup.