Fluffy and Perfect for Any Occasion
Soda biscuits are a timeless classic, offering a light and flaky texture that perfectly pairs with sweet and savory spreads. These extra light soda biscuits are easy to prepare and deliver delicious, homemade results. Made with simple ingredients like flour, baking soda, and buttermilk, they rise to golden perfection in just minutes.
Whether you’re serving these for breakfast, alongside dinner, or as a snack with tea, they’re sure to impress. The recipe’s straightforward steps make it a go-to for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Join our Vintage Recipe Facebook Group to discuss and find “new” old recipes to enjoy.
Links to find other recipes:
Extra Light Soda Biscuits
Extra Light Soda Biscuits FAQ
Can I substitute the buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice added. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
What is the secret to fluffy biscuits?
Handling the dough minimally ensures the biscuits stay tender. Over-kneading can make them tough.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
No, the recipe specifies using an ungreased baking pan.
Food History
Soda biscuits became popular in the mid-19th century as a quick and reliable alternative to yeast-based breads. The introduction of baking soda revolutionized home baking, offering a faster way to achieve a fluffy texture. By the early 20th century, buttermilk biscuits like this recipe became a staple in kitchens across America.
The combination of baking soda and buttermilk creates a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide, which makes the dough rise. These simple ingredients transformed everyday baking, allowing cooks to make light, fluffy breads with minimal effort.
Timeline
- 1840s: Baking soda gains popularity as a leavening agent.
- Mid-19th century: Soda biscuits become a household favorite.
- 20th century: Buttermilk biscuits become a Southern tradition.
Recipe Discussion
This recipe highlights the simplicity of soda biscuits, relying on pantry staples to create a light and airy texture. The combination of buttermilk and baking soda is the key to their rise, while the shortening ensures a tender crumb. Sifting the flour adds even more lightness to the final product.
The dough is quick to assemble, with minimal kneading required. Cutting the biscuits with a floured round cutter ensures clean edges that allow for even rising. Placing them an inch apart on the baking sheet helps achieve a golden crust all around.
Baking at a high temperature gives the biscuits their signature light and flaky texture, with a slightly crisp exterior. These are versatile enough to serve with butter, honey, jam, or even gravy.
Preparation Tips
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Ensure the shortening and buttermilk are cold for the flakiest texture.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead lightly to prevent toughness.
- Use a Sharp Cutter: A sharp, floured cutter creates clean edges that help the biscuits rise evenly.
- Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on them as they bake; the high heat can quickly turn them golden brown.
- Flour Your Surface: Prevent sticking by generously flouring your work surface before rolling out the dough.
Recommended Kitchen Products
The links below lead to top-rated products on Amazon—if you use our links, we can save more recipes.
- Pastry Cutter: For clean, even biscuit shapes.
- Silicone Baking Mat: Perfect for even baking without greasing the pan.
- Flour Sifter: Ensures your flour is light and lump-free.
- Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out dough evenly.
- Cooling Rack: Keeps biscuits from becoming soggy after baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast: Spread with butter, jam, or honey for a comforting start to the day.
- Dinner Side: Serve alongside soups, stews, or chili.
- Sweet Treat: Top with whipped cream and fresh berries for an easy dessert.
- Savory Option: Pair with sausage gravy for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
- Snack: Enjoy plain or with a drizzle of honey and a cup of tea.
A Classic Recipe That Always Delivers
These extra light soda biscuits are a reminder that simple ingredients can create something truly special. This recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation, perfect for any occasion. Whether paired with jam or gravy, these biscuits will surely please everyone at the table.
Start Your Recipe Box
- Start your recipe box or your family or friends. View New and Vintage Recipe Boxes
- View Recipe Cards and Templates
- View Recipe Card Protectors and Sleeves
Vintage Goodies
- Vintage Kitchenware on Etsy
- Vintage Recipes on Amazon
- Vintage Cookbooks on eBay
- Vintage Cookbooks on Etsy
Extra Light Soda Biscuits Recipe
Extra Light Soda Biscuits
This hearty quick bread combines oats, cornmeal, and flour with chunky peanut butter for a moist and flavorful loaf, perfect for breakfast or snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup quick-cooking oats
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup nonfat dry milk powder
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup chunky peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups skim or low-fat milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, cornmeal, dry milk powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in peanut butter. Blend egg with milk and add to the dry ingredients, mixing well.
- Turn batter into a greased and floured 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake at 325 degrees for 70 minutes or until a toothpick tests clean.
- Remove and let cool on a rack for 10 minutes before removing from the pan. Cool completely.
Notes
Yield: about 16 biscuits.