Name: Guinness Wholemeal Bread Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 cups (260 g) wholemeal flour; 1 cup (90 g) rolled oats; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda); 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk; 1 ½ cups (255 ml) Guinness or similar stout; 2 tbsp melted butter or vegetable oil; 2 tbsp molasses or treacle; 1 tbsp rolled oats (for sprinkling on bread)

If you’re on the lookout for a bread that’s both wholesome and packed with flavor, I can’t recommend this Guinness Wholemeal Bread Recipe enough. It’s a hearty loaf that’s moist, rustic, and offers a satisfying twist with the rich notes of stout beer. Perfect for breakfast or a snack in your kitchen!

A loaf of dark brown bread with a rough texture is placed on white parchment paper on top of a green cloth on a rustic wooden board. The bread is tied with a string and sprinkled with oats on top. One big thick slice is cut and displayed at the front, showing the dense crumb inside. Nearby, a small white bowl filled with oats and a glass of dark coffee with foam on top sit on the wooden surface. The background is dark with a wooden chair and a soft blue-green cloth casually draped behind the bread, all set on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Guinness Wholemeal Bread Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Guinness Wholemeal Bread Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Guinness Wholemeal Bread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Guinness wholemeal soda bread over and over, and each time it delivers that perfect balance of earthy sweetness and a robust, malty character from the stout. It’s super simple, but the flavor feels special—like a little Irish pub magic at home.

No Yeast or Kneading Required: Saves you time and effort while still giving great texture.
Rich, Moist Loaf: Thanks to the Guinness and molasses, the crumb stays tender for days.
Rustic & Wholesome: Wholemeal flour and oats pack in fiber and nutty flavor.
Versatile & Easy: Enjoy it sweet with jam or savory with cheese—it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you gather your ingredients, a quick tip: look for good-quality wholemeal flour and a fresh stout like Guinness for the best results. Choosing real molasses or treacle will deepen the flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, dark brown sugar can work too.

Flat lay of wholemeal flour in a small mound, a neat pile of rolled oats, a small white ceramic bowl of brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with white baking soda powder, another small white ceramic bowl with baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing salt, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy buttermilk, a small white ceramic bowl holding dark, rich Guinness stout, a small white ceramic bowl with golden melted butter, and a small white ceramic bowl of thick dark molasses, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Wholemeal Flour: Provides a hearty, nutty base that’s more fibrous than plain flour.
Rolled Oats: Adds texture and a lovely rustic touch both inside and on top.
Brown Sugar: Balances the bitterness of the stout with subtle sweetness.
Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of Soda): Works with buttermilk and Guinness to leaven the bread naturally.
Baking Powder: Gives a little extra lift for a tender crumb.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the stout beautifully.
Guinness Stout: The star ingredient — imparts richness and a subtle malty depth.
Melted Butter or Vegetable Oil: Keeps the loaf tender and moist.
Molasses or Treacle: Sweetens and boosts the bread’s dark, complex flavor profile.
Extra Rolled Oats for Sprinkling: Creates an appealing textured crust.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Guinness Wholemeal Bread Recipe is how adaptable it can be to your personal taste and pantry staples. Whether you want to tweak the sweetness, add nuts, or keep it completely vegan, there are plenty of ways to make this loaf truly yours without losing its hearty charm.

Swap in Plant-Based Milk: For a dairy-free twist, replace the buttermilk with an equal part of oat or almond milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to maintain that tangy acidity. I've done this often when out of buttermilk, and it works beautifully with the stout to keep the bread moist.
Add Nuts or Seeds: Fold in a handful of toasted walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds to the batter for an extra crunch and a nutty dimension. I love adding walnuts for a cozy autumn twist that pairs wonderfully with sharp cheddar.
Use Dark Brown Sugar or Honey: If you don’t have molasses or treacle, dark brown sugar or honey can be great substitutes to add sweetness and depth. Personally, I sometimes swap molasses for honey when I want a milder sweetness, and the bread still turns out lovely.
Try Different Flours: While wholemeal flour gives this bread its heartiness, you can experiment by mixing in some rye flour or spelt flour for unique flavor notes. Just keep the total flour amount consistent to maintain the right texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Guinness Wholemeal Bread Recipe

A rectangular dark grey baking pan lined with white parchment paper is filled with a light brown batter spreading evenly inside. A woman's hand is sprinkling light beige rolled oats evenly over the top of the batter. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to a welcoming 400°F (200°C). Lightly mist a 2 lb (900 g) loaf pan with cake release spray—this helps the bread slip out easily later on. Then, line the pan with baking paper, letting the edges hang over the sides like handles. This little trick makes it so much easier to lift the bread out once it’s baked, a step I find saves time and keeps the loaf intact.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl or a large measuring jug, combine 1 cup (240 ml) of buttermilk, 1 ½ cups (255 ml) of Guinness stout, 2 tablespoons of melted butter (or vegetable oil if you prefer), and 2 tablespoons of molasses or treacle. Stir these until they form a smooth, well-blended mixture. The stout adds that signature rich complexity, while the molasses brings a subtle sweetness that complements the wholemeal flour perfectly.

Step 3: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and add 2 cups (260 g) of wholemeal flour, 1 cup (90 g) of rolled oats, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir them well so everything is evenly distributed—this ensures your bread rises evenly and has a consistent texture.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together until the batter looks smooth and you don’t see any dry streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix here—just enough to combine. Overmixing can make the bread tough, and we want it tender and moist.

Step 5: Fill Your Pan and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of rolled oats on top to give the crust a lovely rustic look and a bit of chewiness. Pop your pan into the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35 minutes. This initial high heat jump-starts the rise and develops a nice crust.

Step 6: Lower the Heat and Finish Baking

After the first 35 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C). Continue baking the bread for another 25 minutes. This gentle finish ensures the loaf cooks fully through without burning the outside. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing about now!

Step 7: Cool Your Bread Slowly in the Oven

Turn your oven off, crack the door open slightly, and leave the bread inside to cool gradually for about 30 minutes. This slow cooling helps the bread retain moisture, achieving that perfect soft crumb without drying out—a little step that makes a big difference.

Step 8: Remove, Slice, and Enjoy

Carefully lift the bread out of the pan using those overhanging edges of baking paper. Transfer it to a cooling rack so it cools evenly on all sides. Once it’s fully cooled, slice into about 10 generous pieces, then spread with your favorite jam or complement it with a generous slice of sharp cheese. Enjoy the chewy oat texture mingling with the deep, malty flavor of Guinness—the perfect homemade treat!

Top Tip

These tips come from hands-on experience with this Guinness Wholemeal Bread Recipe, helping you avoid common pitfalls and bake a loaf that's moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured every time.

Gentle Mixing: I always stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Over-mixing can make the bread tough, so a gentle hand keeps it tender and light.
Cooling in Oven: Leaving the bread inside the turned-off oven with the door slightly open for 30 minutes was a game changer. It helps the bread retain moisture and develop a beautiful crumb.
Using Molasses: I prefer real molasses or treacle for that rich, sweet depth — it really makes this bread stand out from standard soda breads.
Pan Preparation: Lining your loaf pan with baking paper that overhangs the sides makes removing the bread super easy, so no cracks or breaking apart when you flip it out!

How to Serve Guinness Wholemeal Bread Recipe

A loaf of dark brown bread with a dense and rough texture sits on white parchment paper, tied with a thin natural twine string on top. The top of the bread is decorated with a sprinkle of light beige oats, adding a coarse texture. The bread is partially sliced, showing the moist inside with a consistent crumb pattern. It rests on a white plate with a delicate golden floral pattern, which is placed on folded gray cloth on a dark wooden surface with a slightly rustic look, all against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

This bread is lovely when topped simply with a pat of butter melting into its warm crust. You can also add a drizzle of honey, a smear of tangy cream cheese, or a sprinkling of extra rolled oats for rustic charm and texture. For special occasions, a few flakes of sea salt on top before serving can elevate the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Guinness Wholemeal Bread pairs wonderfully with rich cheese boards featuring sharp cheddar or creamy blue cheese. It’s also delicious alongside hearty stews or soups — think Irish beef stew or roasted root vegetable soup — where its moist crumb soaks up the flavors perfectly. For a sweet touch, serve alongside your favorite jam or marmalade at breakfast or tea time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap any leftover Guinness Wholemeal Bread in a clean cloth or place it in an airtight container. Stored this way at room temperature, it stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days without losing moisture.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Slice it first, then layer the slices between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer, ready to toast whenever you need a quick fix.

Reheating

For the best results, thaw frozen bread slices at room temperature or toast them straight from the freezer. To refresh leftover fresh bread, warm it in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to bring back that delightful crustiness and softness inside.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of beer instead of Guinness?

Absolutely! While Guinness adds a signature rich flavor, any similar stout or dark beer works well in this recipe to maintain the moist texture and depth of taste.

Do I need to use yeast or knead the dough?

No yeast or kneading is required for this soda bread. The baking soda and powder provide the rise, making it quick and easy to prepare.

Can I substitute molasses with something else?

If molasses or treacle isn’t available, dark brown sugar is a good alternative that still delivers a touch of sweetness and flavor.

How long does the Guinness Wholemeal Bread stay fresh?

Stored wrapped in a cloth or airtight container at room temperature, the bread stays fresh for 2–3 days. You can extend its life by freezing slices for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Guinness Wholemeal Bread Recipe has always been one of my favorite cozy kitchen adventures. Its hearty flavor, moist texture, and easy prep make it a truly special treat to enjoy any time of day. Whether spread with butter, piled high with cheese, or savored plain, this bread brings a little warmth and comfort—and a hint of Irish charm—to your table every time.