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Australian Damper Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 140 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 35-40 min
  • Total Time: 40-45 min
  • Yield: 8 pieces, serves 8
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Australian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Australian Damper is a traditional rustic bread made from just three main ingredients: self-raising flour, milk, and butter. This simple bread is crunchy on the outside, soft and dense inside, and perfect for beginners looking to bake bread at home. Traditionally baked in campfire ashes, this version uses a cast iron dutch oven in the oven for ease and consistent results.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups Self-raising flour
  • 1 tsp Salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ¾ cup Milk (dairy free milk can be used)
  • 1 tbsp Butter (dairy free butter can be used)

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour and butter. Use your fingers to massage the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
  2. Add Milk and Form Dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the milk. Use a fork to combine, then use your hands dusted with flour to knead the dough gently for about one minute until it forms a smooth disk.
  3. Prepare for Baking: Grease a cast iron dutch oven and place the dough disk inside. Score the dough into eight sections with a knife to help portions after baking.
  4. Bake the Damper: Cover the dutch oven with its lid and place it in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F). Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  5. Rest and Serve: Allow the damper to rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving. This helps the bread finish setting and makes slicing easier.

Notes

  • Australian Damper is traditionally baked in campfire ashes, but this recipe uses an oven and a cast iron dutch oven for convenience and consistent heat.
  • The bread has a crunchy crust with a dense and slightly crumbly interior, making it perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, or with butter and jam.
  • Scoring the dough before baking helps ensure even cooking and easy portioning.
  • Use dairy-free milk and butter if you prefer a vegan or dairy-free option.
  • Be sure the bread sounds hollow when tapped to ensure it is fully baked inside.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece (1/8 of the bread)
  • Calories: 133 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 313 mg
  • Fat: 1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.004 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 3 mg

Find it online: https://littlespoonbites.com/australian-damper-bread-recipe/