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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 featuring a tender crumb, crispy crust, and a touch of sweetness from honey and richness from butter. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a comforting snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¾ cups (420ml) buttermilk (or 1 ¾ cups milk mixed with 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons honey, plus extra for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your cast-iron skillet or baking sheet inside to heat up while you prepare the dough.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt until well combined.
  3. Add the softened butter (4 tablespoons/57g) to the dry ingredients. Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in 1 ¾ cups (420ml) buttermilk and 2 tablespoons honey. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together; it should be slightly sticky but manageable.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough 3-4 times to form a rough ball, avoiding over-kneading.
  6. Shape the dough into a round loaf about 8 inches (20cm) in diameter. Transfer it onto a piece of parchment paper.
  7. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross (about ½ inch / 1.25cm deep) into the top of the loaf.
  8. Carefully remove the hot skillet or baking sheet from the oven. Transfer the loaf on the parchment paper onto the hot surface.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Remove the bread from the oven and immediately brush the crust with melted butter.
  11. Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
  12. Serve warm or at room temperature with a drizzle of honey and butter.

Notes

Do not over-knead the dough to avoid tough bread. Preheating the baking surface helps create a crisp crust. Brushing the crust with melted butter after baking adds flavor and shine. For gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free or vegan, use plant-based milk with lemon juice and vegan butter or coconut oil.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/cozy-irish-soda-bread-recipe-easy-homemade-with-butter-and-honey/