Sweet Berry Damper Loaf

Sweet Berry Damper Loaf

Classic DishDamper

Journey back to the heart of Australian culinary tradition with this delightful Sweet Berry Damper Loaf, a contemporary twist on the classic campfire staple. Originally a simple, unleavened bread baked in the bush by swagmen and stockmen, damper has evolved from survival food to a cherished part of Australian identity. This version infuses the rustic charm of traditional damper with the vibrant sweetness of mixed berries, creating delightful pockets of jammy goodness throughout the golden-brown crust. Perfect for a morning tea treat or an afternoon snack, this easy-to-make bush bread offers a taste of history and a burst of fruity flavour. It’s a wonderful way to connect with Australia's pioneering spirit and enjoy a truly comforting homemade bake. Whip up this berry-infused damper loaf for a taste of the outback with a sweet, modern flourish, ideal for sharing with family and friends.

Preparation time
15 min
Cooking time
35 min
Total time
50 min
Servings
8

Instructions

Damper Preparation

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/400°F). Grease and flour a baking tray or line it with parchment paper.
  2. 2In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted self-raising flour and sugar. Stir well.
  3. 3Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients. Pour in the melted butter and about two-thirds of the milk.
  4. 4Gently mix with a knife or your hands to form a soft dough. Add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, if needed, until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. 5Lightly flour your hands and gently knead the dough for about 30 seconds. Fold in the mixed berries, distributing them as evenly as possible without crushing them too much.
  6. 6Shape the dough into a round loaf on the prepared baking tray.
  7. 7Brush the top of the loaf with a little extra milk and sprinkle with a bit more sugar for a nice crust.

Baking

  1. 1Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the damper is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  2. 2If the berries start to over-brown the top, you can loosely cover it with foil.

Nutrition Information

Calories
251 kcal
Protein
4 g
Fat
8 g
Carbs
41 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories251 kcal
Protein4 g
Fat8 g
Carbs41 g

Tips

  • Lightly flouring the berries before adding them to the dough helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
  • Adjust oven temperature if needed; damper bakes best when the oven is hot and consistent.
  • Serve warm, sliced thick, with a generous spread of butter or a dollop of cream and jam.

By Chef Michael Ilin