Damper
Australian Bush Bread
A classic Australian soda bread, traditionally baked in the coals of a campfire. This simple recipe results in a rustic, slightly dense loaf perfect for enjoying with butter or golden syrup.
🧂 Ingredients
- 450 g Self-raising flour(Ensure it's fresh for best results.)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 30 g Butter(Cold, cubed. Can substitute with lard or beef dripping for a more traditional flavour.)
- 250 ml Water or milk(Cold. Milk will result in a richer flavour and softer crust.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/400°F). Lightly grease and flour a baking sheet or a cast-iron pot.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour and salt. Whisk briefly to ensure they are evenly distributed.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Avoid overworking the dough.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Gradually add the cold water or milk, a little at a time, mixing with a knife or your hands until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to add too much liquid; you want a cohesive dough, not a wet batter.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently bring it together to form a round loaf. Do not knead; overworking will make the damper tough.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet or in the pot. You can score the top with a cross shape if desired.
⏱️ 1 minute - 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If cooking in coals, wrap the dough in foil and bury it in the embers, turning occasionally, for approximately 30 minutes.
⏱️ 30-40 minutes - 8
Remove from the oven (or coals) and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing. Damper is best served warm.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a more traditional flavour, consider using lard or beef dripping instead of butter.
- ✓Damper was historically cooked directly in the embers of a campfire, wrapped in foil or large leaves.
- ✓Serve warm with plenty of butter and a drizzle of golden syrup for a classic Australian treat.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add grated cheese (about 50g) and chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary or chives) to the dry ingredients for a savoury damper.
- For a slightly sweeter loaf, add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the dry ingredients.