Scottish Oaten Bread
Description
This Scottish Oaten Bread is a delightful fusion of traditional soda bread techniques and sweet fruit flavors. The use of Coca-Cola as the liquid ingredient provides both carbonation for leavening and a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the earthy rolled oats. The batter is studded with chewy prunes and crunchy walnuts, creating a wonderful contrast in textures with every bite. The result is a tender, moist loaf that is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon tea snack. It has a dense, cake-like crumb and a deep golden crust. This recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring no yeast and minimal prep time, making it an accessible treat for bakers of all skill levels. Serve it warm from the oven, perhaps with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey, to fully appreciate its comforting, home-style charm.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
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In a separate smaller bowl or measuring cup, combine the Coca-Cola, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and egg. Whisk vigorously until the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform.
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Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the liquid mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
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Fold in the chopped prunes and walnuts gently until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown.
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Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 210kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7.5g12%
- Saturated Fat 1.2g6%
- Cholesterol 25mg9%
- Sodium 320mg14%
- Total Carbohydrate 34g12%
- Dietary Fiber 2.5g10%
- Sugars 18g
- Protein 4g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Ensure prunes are well-drained and coarsely chopped to prevent large pockets of moisture in the bread. You can substitute 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins if you prefer a different fruit flavor.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Slice before freezing for easy single-serving thawing.