Damper is a classic Australian bread that’s simple to make, delicious to eat, and deeply rooted in cultural history. Originally created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and later adopted by early European settlers, damper was traditionally baked over hot coals or open campfires. Today, it remains a beloved staple for school activities, playgroups, camping trips, and family gatherings.

Learning from Noongar Elder Aunty Averil

We’ve been privileged to learn a special fried damper recipe from Aunty Averil. She is a respected Noongar Elder, great-grandmother, and long-time Playgroup WA staff member. During a visit to Waabiny Time Playgroup in Albany, Aunty Averil generously shared her traditional method of making damper, a practice that celebrates community, storytelling, and connection to Country

Easy to Make with Pantry Staples

Whether cooked over a campfire, baked in an oven, or fried like Aunty Averil’s version, damper is wonderfully simple to prepare using just a few basic ingredients. This makes it perfect for involving little helpers in the kitchen while teaching them about Australian food traditions.

Click here ↓ to watch Aunty Averil make her special fried damper!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Damper Recipe

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy (perfect for kids!)

Damper Ingredients

• 2 cups of self-raising flour
• 1 cup of plain flour
• Water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Extra flour

Optional extras for flavour:

• Sultanas or raisins
• Fresh herbs (such as rosemary)
• A little sugar for a sweeter damper

Tools

• Bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Baking Tray
• Oven (or campfire for traditional cooking)

Method

1. Pre heat oven to 180C.
2.  Combine the dry ingredients. Place flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix together using your fingers or a wooden spoon until well combined. Create a well in the centre of the flour mixture.
3. Pour in a small amount of water at a time, mixing as you go, until the mixture forms a firm dough. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and forms a round shape.
5. Place the dough on a lightly floured baking tray and gently press down to flatten slightly. You can score a cross on top with a knife if desired (this helps it cook evenly).
6. Place the tray on the top shelf of your preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, then carefully flip the damper over and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

How to Tell When Damper Is Ready

Your damper is perfectly cooked when it’s golden brown in colour and sounds hollow when you tap on the bottom. This hollow sound indicates the bread is cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

Break the warm damper into chunks and spread generously with butter and your favourite topping:

• Golden syrup or honey for a sweet option
• Jam or marmalade
• Vegemite for a savoury option
• Simply butter for traditional enjoyment

Damper tastes best when eaten warm.