Print

Cozy Irish Soda Bread Recipe Easy Homemade with Butter and Honey

irish soda bread recipe - featured image

A quick and easy Irish soda bread recipe that yields a soft, moist loaf with a lightly crisp crust, perfect for cozy mornings or casual gatherings. Enjoy it warm with butter and honey for a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for serving)
  • Honey (for serving)
  • Optional: ½ cup raisins or caraway seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Position a rack in the center.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
  3. Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk and melted butter. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
  4. Turn the sticky dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a round loaf about 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter and roughly 2 inches (5 cm) thick.
  5. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross about ½ inch (1.2 cm) deep on top of the dough.
  6. Transfer the loaf to a baking sheet or preheated cast iron skillet. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
  7. Let the bread rest on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to avoid toughness. Use good quality buttermilk for best flavor and rise. Score the loaf deeply to allow steam to escape and ensure even baking. Cool before slicing to prevent gummy texture. If using a baking sheet instead of cast iron skillet, watch crust color and adjust baking time if needed.

Nutrition

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