Aussie Bush Damper

An iconic Australian no-yeast bread with a crisp crust and warm, fluffy interior—made for tearing and slathering with butter.

Ingredients

• 3 cups plain flour (all-purpose) *(plus extra for dusting)*
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp fine salt
• 1 1/4 cups milk *(or water)*
• 2 tbsp butter, melted *(optional but very traditional for a richer damper)*
• 1 tbsp oil *(for greasing, or use extra butter)*

Method

• 1

  Step 1: Preheat & prep

  Preheat oven to **200°C (180°C fan)**. Lightly grease a baking tray (or a cast iron skillet) with oil. Dust your bench lightly with flour.

• 2

  Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt until well combined (this helps it rise evenly).

• 3

  Step 3: Add liquid (and butter)

  Make a well in the centre. Pour in the milk and melted butter. Stir with a wooden spoon or butter knife just until a shaggy dough forms.

• 4

  Step 4: Bring into a soft dough

  Tip the dough onto the floured bench. Knead **very gently** for **20–30 seconds**—just enough to bring it together into a smooth-ish ball. If it’s sticky, dust with a little extra flour (but don’t add too much).

• 5

  Step 5: Shape & score

  Pat into a round about **4–5cm thick**. Place on the tray. Use a sharp knife to score a deep cross on top (about **1cm** deep) to help it cook through and create classic wedges.

• 6

  Step 6: Bake

  Bake for **25–30 minutes**, until deep golden and it sounds hollow when you tap the centre.

• 7

  Step 7: Rest, then serve

  Cool on a rack for **10 minutes** (this finishes the crumb). Serve warm with butter.

Tips

• **Milk vs water:** Milk gives a softer crumb and better browning; water makes it more “bush” traditional and slightly chewier.
• **Extra-crisp crust:** Brush the top lightly with milk before baking, or bake on a preheated tray/skillet.
• **Don’t overwork the dough:** Minimal mixing = tender damper.
• **Storage:** Best on the day. Keep airtight for up to **2 days**; reheat in a **180°C oven for 8–10 minutes** to revive the crust.
• **To serve:** Butter and golden syrup, jam, or alongside soups, stews, or a BBQ spread.

Nutrition (per serving, estimate)