A wholesome twist on the classic Irish soda bread, incorporating oats for added texture and flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Ensure your oven is fully preheated to achieve even baking.
Grease two loaf pans lightly with butter or oil.
Use parchment paper for easier removal of the bread.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
Sifting helps to aerate the flour, resulting in a lighter bread.
Stir in the brown sugar and rolled oats, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Break up any clumps of brown sugar for even sweetness.
Add the buttermilk to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Divide the dough evenly between the prepared loaf pans.
Use a spatula to spread the dough evenly in the pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even cooking.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Allowing the bread to cool prevents it from crumbling when sliced.