Bush-Spiced Damper Bread with Quandong Jam

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Traditional Australian damper bread infused with native bush spices, served warm with tart and sweet quandong jam. This australian-inspired breakfast ready in about 40 minutes combines self-raising flour, baking powder, salt into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, sift together 3 cups self-raising flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp crushed dried lemon myrtle, and 2 tsp ground dried wattleseed.
  2. Step 2: Make a well in the center and gradually add 1 1/4 cups cold water, stirring with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 5-6 times until just combined; do not overwork.
  4. Step 4: Shape dough into a round loaf about 7 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush top with 2 tbsp melted butter.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and cool slightly, then serve warm with 1/2 cup tart quandong jam spread generously on slices.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Bush-Spiced Damper Bread with Quandong Jam take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Bush-Spiced Damper Bread with Quandong Jam?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bush-Spiced Damper Bread with Quandong Jam?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bush-Spiced Damper Bread with Quandong Jam for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bush-Spiced Damper Bread with Quandong Jam?

Australian breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.