Australian Damper to Fairy Bread: Simple & Savory or Sweet
This authentic Australian Damper Bread aka Aboriginal Bush Bread reflects sustenance and simplicity with versatility. It was originally baked by the Aborigines directly in the hot coals of a campfire. The ashes were brushed or torn off prior to consuming. Today, it can easily be baked in a cast iron Dutch oven in an oven or over the hot coals of a campfire. Add additional flavorings for a savory or sweet version. To feel Australian, turn a slice of this bread into the coveted, nostalgic Fairy Bread.
Ingredients
Basic Dough Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 - 1¼ cup milk or water
Optional Mix-in Ingredients (select based on preferred flavor combinations):
- 5 tbsp chilled butter or shortening
- 1 ½ tbsp sugar honey or maple syrup
- 2 tsp dried herbs rosemary, chives, Italian seasoning, thyme, basil, marjoram, oregano, parsley, etc.
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- ½ cup chopped dried fruit raisins, cranberries, blueberries, etc.
- ½ cup chopped nuts macadamia
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Fairy Bread Ingredients:
- softened butter enough to coat preferred number of bread slices
- rainbow sprinkles or any sugar cookie topping colored sugar, chocolate sprinkles, nonpareils, chocolate chips, etc.
Instructions
Dough Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk in flour, baking powder, salt, and preferred optional mix-ins. If adding a solid fat, cut or massage in butter or shortening using your fingers or pastry cutter.
- Heat 1 cup of milk or water in the microwave (~45 seconds or so) or on the stove until the temperature 100˚F-110˚F / 38˚C-43˚C. With a spoon, slowly stir the liquid in with the other ingredients. Begin kneading with your hands until all the flour is well moistened and begins to form a ball. If necessary, add milk (water) or flour to adjust the texture.
- Preheat the oven to 410°F / 210°C.
- Scoop the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead, fold, and turn it over just enough to create a smooth round ball. Kneading the dough too much will create a heavy and dense bread.
- Once the oven has preheated, place a cast iron skillet (~9 inches in diameter works well) or Dutch oven in the oven on the middle rack for 5 minutes to heat up. After 5 minutes, remove the skillet and dust the bottom of it with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Place the dough round in the skillet and flatten the dough to near the edges.
- Put the skillet in the oven for about 45 minutes or until the top is lightly browned. The bread will swell during baking.
- Shake the skillet after 15 minutes of baking to ensure even browning and to prevent sticking.
- The bread is baked when a knife inserted in the center of it comes out clean or the internal temperature reaches 190˚F / 88˚C. The bread should offer a hollow sound when tapped in the center.
- Let the damper sit for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Fairy Bread Directions:
- Slice the damper bread and spread one side generously with butter (at least enough to serve as a glue to hold on to the topping).
- Sprinkle on your favorite toppings, as much as you would like.
- Eat and enjoy! Your kids will LOVE the Fairy Bread!
Video
Notes
*For an artisan look, cut cross-cross slits into the top of the dough, or diamond pattern, or three equal-spaced slits along the top from one side to another.
*For the basic damper bread recipe, slice (or cut into wedges), and top with butter, jam, nut butter, or Nutella. Slice and toast with a topping of butter, cinnamon, and sugar.
*Serve the bread for breakfast with common southern American biscuit toppings. Use it as a base breakfast sandwich bread for eggs, cheese, and sausage patties or ham.
*Serve the bread as a snack or as a meal accompaniment to sop of food juices.