Discover the heart of Australian bush cooking with this classic recipe for Good Ol’ Aussie Damper! This rustic, no-fuss bread requires just five simple ingredients—self-raising flour, a touch of salt, butter, milk, and water—making it an ideal option for camping trips or a comforting homemade treat. Perfectly golden and crusty on the outside with a soft, tender interior, this traditional loaf is ready in under an hour and pairs brilliantly with butter, jam, or honey for a delightful snack or side dish. The hallmark scoring on top not only gives it an iconic look but ensures even baking every time. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven or at room temperature, this damper is an ode to Australia’s culinary heritage and a must-try recipe for bread lovers everywhere.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with baking paper or lightly dust it with flour.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour and salt. Mix well.
Cut the butter into small cubes and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips. The mixture should resemble coarse breadcrumbs.
Gradually add the milk and water to the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough starts to come together.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Avoid over-kneading, as damper dough should be slightly rustic.
Shape the dough into a round loaf about 15 cm (6 inches) wide and place it on the prepared baking tray.
Using a sharp knife, score a cross about 1 cm (0.5 inch) deep on the top of the dough. This helps the bread cook evenly and gives it a traditional look.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the damper sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Allow the damper to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, honey, or any spread of your choice.
Calories |
2000 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.6 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.1 g | 96% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 90 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 6066 mg | 264% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 355.8 g | 129% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.2 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.9 g | ||
| Protein | 52.5 g | 105% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.8 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 399 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 890 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.