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Cozy Irish Soda Bread Recipe Easy Homemade with Butter and Honey

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A quick and easy Irish soda bread recipe that combines the richness of butter and the gentle sweetness of honey for a tender, crusty loaf perfect for cozy mornings and brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) buttermilk (or 1 ¾ cups milk + 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your baking stone or heavy baking sheet inside to heat while you prepare the dough.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, stir together the buttermilk, honey, and melted butter until slightly warm but not hot.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold together until a rough, sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
  5. Lightly flour a clean surface and your hands. Turn the dough onto the surface and gently pat it into a round loaf about 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter.
  6. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep ‘X’ across the top of the loaf to help it expand while baking.
  7. Carefully transfer the loaf onto the preheated baking stone or sheet (use parchment paper if desired) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped on the bottom.
  8. Remove the bread and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
  9. Serve warm with a generous pat of butter and a drizzle of honey.

Notes

Do not overmix or knead the dough to avoid a dense loaf. Preheat the baking stone or heavy baking sheet for a crispier crust. Score the bread deeply with an ‘X’ to allow even expansion. Serve warm with butter and honey for best flavor. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum. Whole wheat flour can replace up to 1 cup of all-purpose flour for nuttier flavor and extra fiber.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish soda bread, easy bread recipe, homemade bread, butter and honey bread, quick bread, no yeast bread, cozy breakfast bread