This soda bread is studded with dark chocolate pieces, dried cherries and roasted walnuts. Whip it up for morning tea and get the kids or grandkids involved!
Test Kitchen tip
This super easy soda bread recipe relies on the reaction between an alkaline bicarbonate of soda and acidic buttermilk to produce carbon dioxide for aeration. Since the reaction is immediate upon mixing, make sure you get baking quick smart.
Recipe variations
Try other dried fruit and nuts, such as sultanas and pecans. Dried cranberries can also be used if dried cherries cannot be sourced.
Ingredients
Method
1.Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan. Line an oven tray with baking paper.
2.Sift flour, sugar, bicarb, salt and cardamom into a large bowl. Rub in butter with your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the centre.
3.Whisk buttermilk and egg in a medium bowl; add egg mixture to well. Using a knife, cut liquid through mixture until it starts to clump. Add chocolate, walnuts and cherries. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; knead gently until dough just comes together. Shape into a 16cm round. Place on tray with floured hands.
4.Lightly beat the egg white in a small bowl with a fork; place 1 tablespoon egg white in another small bowl (reserve remaining egg white for another use). Add extra sugar; whisk until combined. Brush mixture over top of loaf.
5.Bake loaf for 45 minutes or until golden and bread sounds hollow when tapped. Serve slices warm or at room temperature.
This soda bread is best made on day of serving. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Note
